A seasoned Formula 1 insider recently made a bold claim about Max Verstappen’s future with Red Bull, suggesting the four-time World Champion might part ways with the team if they fail to deliver a competitive car for the 2025 season. Verstappen and Red Bull have formed one of the most iconic partnerships in motorsport history. Since joining Red Bull’s junior team, Toro Rosso (now RB), in 2014, the Dutchman has been a cornerstone of the organization, playing a pivotal role in clinching two Constructors’ Championships (2022 and 2023) and securing four consecutive Drivers’ titles.
However, Red Bull's dominance hit a roadblock in 2024 as McLaren dethroned them, claiming the Constructors’ title. Verstappen now faces a dual challenge in the upcoming 2025 season: defending his World Championship title and reclaiming the team’s spot at the top. Amid these hurdles, the recent remarks by a veteran figure closely associated with Red Bull have added another layer of uncertainty, casting doubt on Verstappen’s continued association with the team.
Red Bull’s performance crucial for Max Verstappen’s future
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s senior advisor, didn’t hold back when discussing the team’s need to provide Max Verstappen with a consistently competitive car. Despite Verstappen being contracted with the team until 2028, Marko acknowledged the risk of losing the star driver if the RB21 car fails to meet expectations.
"We have to provide him with a car with which he is able to win under his own steam, Marko said in an interview. "It can be one to two tenths of a second slower than others, but unlike last year’s car, it has to be competitive throughout the season and on every track. If we don’t succeed, there is no reason for Max to stay with us. You have to be realistic about that," he added.
Marko is not the only Formula 1 pundit who has warned Red Bull of Verstappen's exit, as his father, Jos Verstappen, once also made the same prediction. Marko’s remarks underline the stakes for Red Bull in the upcoming season. With Verstappen’s sights set firmly on continuing his winning streak, the team must rise to the occasion or risk an unthinkable departure that could reshape the F1 landscape.