Ex-F1 Driver Slams Max Verstappen for ‘Lack of Critical Approach’ to Red Bull

Former F1 driver Christian Danner was not happy to see Max Verstappen's approach towards Red Bull's technical struggles.

Ex-F1 Driver Slams Max Verstappen for ‘Lack of Critical Approach’ to Red Bull

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

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Max Verstappen and Red Bull are facing a period of turmoil. Milton Keynes has kickstarted a transition after sacking long-time Team Principal Christian Horner amid rumors of escalating tensions within the Austrian giant. Rumors indicate that the Dutch driver was the one who wanted Horner gone in order to continue at the team for next season. However, former F1 driver Christian Danner is not happy to see Verstappen not thinking critically over Red Bull’s current state.

The energy drinks giant emerged as the dominant team at the start of the ground-effect era in 2022. This was followed by an incredible record-breaking campaign by Max Verstappen in 2023. The Dutchman even rounded up a fourth title in a row last year. Unfortunately, 2025 has been nothing like the previous years.

Red Bull is no longer the top team, being edged out not only by McLaren but at times, even by Ferrari. Milton Keynes has failed to fix the underlying issues with the car, something that has raised alarm bells in the Verstappen camp. This state has indeed sparked rumors that Max Verstappen might be willing to join Mercedes. However, in public, the 27-year has claimed that he wants to end his F1 career while driving only for Red Bull.

Christian Danner pointed out that the reigning world champion is in a league of his own compared to the rest of the grid. Max Verstappen is responsible for scoring nearly all of the points for Red Bull this season. Danner was surprised however, when it came to Verstappen’s mindset towards the team. It seems that despite the apparent performance downfall, the Dutch driver might be seeing this with rose colored lenses, without a critical approach towards the technical side.

He is in a class of his own. What surprises me, though, is that he is still not looking more critically at the technical approach of his team.

Christian Danner told Sport.de

Red Bull needs to give Max Verstappen an ‘easier’ car to win 2025 F1 title

Red Bull is infamous for developing hard-to-drive cars over the years. Since Daniel Ricciardo‘s exit in 2018, no driver apart from Max Verstappen has been able to tame the machinery at Milton Keynes. A big reason for this is considered to be the difficult nature to drive Red Bull cars, something that the Austrian team has failed to fix over the years. While Verstappen has managed to outdrive his cars on numerous occasions, it seems that this year might be too difficult.

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

Christian Danner highlighted that Max Verstappen is able to manage the situation even if the car is alright. The former F1 driver speculated how different things could be if Red Bull actually provided an easier to drive car to the reigning world champion, one which doesn’t only work in a very narrow window. Though, with the 2026 regulations changes not far away, it is likely that Red Bull will not be bringing any major overhauls for the remainder of the season.

If the car is reasonably good, Max will manage somehow. But how much easier would it be for Verstappen if the team would give him a car that not only performs well in a small window, but over the entire circuit.

Christian Danner added

Certainly, it might be time for Max Verstappen to put emotions away when it comes to his future. The 27-year-old does want to continue at Red Bull, having been part of the Austrian family for over a decade. However, the future seems grim for Milton Keynes, at least in the short-term. It is possible that Verstappen might have no chance of fighting for the title if he stays with the energy drinks giant next season.

Read More: Oscar Piastri Declares He’s ‘Unbothered’ over What Max Verstappen Is Doing Amid 2025 Title Fight