Red Bull could risk losing Max Verstappen if it fails to improve after the summer break
Max Verstappen could consider his options for the future if Red Bull continues to fall behind rivals after the summer break.
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Max Verstappen, Helmut Marko, and Christian Horner (Via: Imago)
Max Verstappen and Red Bull dominated Formula 1 in the past two seasons. The reigning world champions seemed set for another record-breaking year in 2024. However, rivals have managed to match Milton Keynes and turn the tide in the fight for the world championship.
Verstappen had a decent start to the year with multiple race victories. Although, the Dutch driver now faces stiff competition for the first time since 2021. Moreover, Max Verstappen has gone winless for four races for the first time since 2020, when he wasn’t even in contention for the world title.
Presently, Max Verstappen leads the standings by a healthy margin to second-placed Lando Norris. The Dutch driver has the most wins so far, giving him an advantage in the title fight. However, if Red Bull fails to make gains after the summer break, it could risk losing the 26-year-old altogether.
Max Verstappen wants the best car at all costs
Max Verstappen is currently contracted to Red Bull till the end of 2028. Mercedes has already shown keen interest in the reigning world champion on multiple occasions. However, the Dutchman had made it clear that no amount of money will entice him to move to a team with a slower car.
Now, if the Silver Arrows continue to match Red Bull consistently, Verstappen might be willing to reconsider his future at Milton Keynes. One must note that Max Verstappen’s father Jos Verstappen reportedly wants the 26-year-old to leave Red Bull after a fallout with Christian Horner. With Horner’s power grab only increasing, it could further influence the reigning world champion.
However, all this depends on one factor, the car. If Red Bull can make up lost ground after the summer break and get back to having the fastest car, Max Verstappen would be happy to stay at the Austrian team. But, if the team falls further in pecking order, there are no doubts that the Dutchman would evaluate his options.
Certainly, Red Bull is under immense pressure to perform after the summer break. The Austrian team is not in a position to lose its star driver. As such, Christian Horner’s squad would be pushing to the limit to get back on top once again. However, it remains to be seen how things pan out in the coming months.
In case you missed it:
- Christian Horner asserts ‘impossible task’ of Red Bull Powertrains to work out in the long run
- Toto Wolff warns Mercedes to keep ‘both feet on ground’ despite winning three races
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Armaan Agarwal
(2310 Articles Published)