Red Bull Racing's troubled start into the 2025 Formula 1 season has ignited internal crisis talks and led to a reshuffling of their driver lineup. After a disappointing performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix, tensions are rising behind the scenes, and the spotlight is now firmly on Max Verstappen’s long-term future with the team.
Bahrain blues and rising pressure
At the season opener in Bahrain, Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, could manage only a sixth-place finish. Hampered by pit lane issues and a car that continues to frustrate engineers, Verstappen's struggles mirrored the team's broader challenges.
Speaking to Sky Sports Germany after the race, Red Bull’s Senior Advisor Helmut Marko didn’t hold back in expressing concern about the Dutchman's future with the team.
The concern [about Verstappen leaving] is great, Marko admitted. As I said, improvements have to come in the near future so that he has a car with which he can win again.
We have to create a basis with a car so that he can fight for the world championship.
Marko's comments only fueled the growing speculation that Verstappen could consider his options if Red Bull’s performance fails to rebound.
Verstappen remains cool amid the chaos
However, Verstappen was quick to downplay the swirling rumors. Speaking during the FIA Press Conference ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the Red Bull star brushed off the speculation with characteristic calm.
It seems like everyone is talking about my future, except me. I’m focused on the car and working with the team, Verstappen said, as quoted by F1 journalist Erik van Haren.
I am very relaxed. Still, the reigning champion acknowledged the current limitations of Red Bull’s RB21, specifically noting issues with its handling, he added.
We struggled with the balance, entry to mid-corner balance isn’t where I want it to be, Verstappen explained. Hopefully the tarmac here will be better.
I am happy, I am not very happy with my car. But we all want to be better, there is no secret in that. We all want to improve.
A familiar flip of the script?
Despite the early setback, Verstappen hasn’t ruled out a turnaround. Drawing from recent history, he recalled how Red Bull began last season dominantly before being overtaken by McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship standings.
I just go race by race. I think it will be better than Bahrain.
The rest is out of my hands – at the moment, we are not the quickest so it is tough to fight for a Championship, but it is a long road. Last year here it all looked great and we know how the season ended up.
As the F1 circus rolls into Saudi Arabia, all eyes are on Red Bull—not just to see if they can regain their footing, but to watch how Verstappen navigates the most turbulent start of his championship reign in recent memory.