The Formula 1 world has been abuzz with rumours as Red Bull insiders have suggested that two-time world rally champion Kalle Rovanperä could join the Red Bull F1 team in 2026. At the same time, four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen has hinted that he may be considering leaving the team, which has sparked speculation. Rovanperä’s previous testing in Red Bull’s F1 car and his diverse motorsport background make him a surprising but intriguing candidate for the premier class. This potential move could mark a new chapter for Finnish motorsport, which is set to be without a driver in the F1 series in 2025.

Rovanperä, 24, has already shown exceptional talent in the World Rally Championship, winning the 2022 and 2023 world championships at the wheel of a Toyota. His F1 experience began in 2024, when he tested Red Bull’s RB8 at the Red Bull Ring in Austria. The test, which was led by former F1 driver Patrick Friesacher, included driving in F4, F3.5 and F1 cars. Rovanperä clocked a time of 1:15.680 on his final lap, which was promising for a first-time driver, although there was no comparable data ( Ilta-Sanomat , 21.11.2024). He commented on the experience in a Red Bull press release: “The feeling was different from a rally car, but it was cool to get to drive.” The test aroused interest, although Rovanperä’s manager Timo Jouhki insisted that rising to the top of F1 would require years of training ( Ilta-Sanomat , November 21, 2024).

Verstappen’s situation is another side of this story. The Dutchman, who won the 2024 world championship, has expressed his frustration with Red Bull’s development in the 2025 season. With McLaren’s dominance and the departure of key figures from the team, such as Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley, Verstappen has hinted at a possible move, possibly to Mercedes ( The Telegraph , 20.3.2025). However, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has insisted that Verstappen is committed to the team until at least 2026, but there is a clause in his contract that allows him to leave if the car is not competitive ( Sportti.com , 6.5.2025). Verstappen’s father Jos has criticised the team’s situation, especially team principal Christian Horner’s attitude towards the departure of key figures ( MTV Uutiset , 1.10.2024).

Rovanperä’s name has emerged as a backup plan for Red Bull. According to insiders, the team sees potential in the Finn due to his versatile driving skills. Rovanperä has competed in rallying as well as track racing, for example in the Porsche Carrera Cup in 2024, which shows his adaptability ( MTV Uutiset , 6.11.2024). Red Bull junior Liam Lawson has already been named Verstappen’s teammate in 2025, but a name like Rovanperä could bring a new dynamic to the team, especially if Verstappen leaves. On X, user @F1InsiderFIN hinted: “Rovanperä in F1? Red Bull has a history of bold choices.” On the other hand, skeptics, such as @RallyFan99, consider the move unlikely because “F1 requires a completely different set of skills.”

Red Bull’s challenges in the 2025 season have increased the pressure. The upgrades at Imola did not bring the desired development, and Verstappen was 0.442 seconds behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in practice ( Sportti.com , 17.5.2025). After the team lost the constructors’ championship to McLaren in 2024, the pressure to introduce new engine regulations in 2026 has increased. Red Bull’s transition to its own powertrains with Honda’s support is a risk that could affect the team’s attractiveness to drivers ( Wikipedia , 10.2.2022). Bringing in a driver like Rovanperä could be a strategic move that would strengthen the team’s brand and bring Finnish fans to the tracks, especially since Valtteri Bottas was left without a race seat in 2025 ( Iltalehti , 20.12.2024).

Rovanperä’s move to F1 would be a huge leap, but not unheard of. For example, Sébastien Loeb and Sébastien Ogier have tested F1 cars in the past ( Motorsport.com , 6.11.2024). His youth and learning ability, which Friesacher praised, make him a viable candidate. However, as Jouhki pointed out, rising to the top of F1 would take time and dedication. Red Bull will have to weigh up whether Rovanperä is worth the investment, or whether to focus on existing juniors. In any case, rumors about Rovanperä and Verstappen’s possible departure have the F1 world on its toes, and Finnish fans are already dreaming of a new hero on the track.