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Max Verstappen’s Future in Doubt? Ex-Champ Warns Red Bull Star to Prioritize Himself Amid Team Turmoil

Harry Stone by Harry Stone
December 15, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 23: 2024 F1 World Drivers Champion Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing attends a press conference after the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202411240373 // Usage for editorial use only //

Max Verstappen’s dominance in Formula 1 remains undisputed after clinching his fourth consecutive world championship in 2024. However, the cracks in Red Bull’s armor are becoming increasingly evident. With the RB20 failing to match the pace of rivals McLaren and Ferrari, Verstappen faces an uncertain future at the Milton Keynes-based team. Former F1 champion Jenson Button has urged the Dutchman to “think of himself” as Red Bull risks losing its competitive edge.


2024: A Challenging Year for Verstappen and Red Bull

While Verstappen secured the Drivers’ Championship, the 2024 season was far from smooth sailing. The RB20 proved inconsistent, plagued by performance issues that saw Red Bull drop to third in the Constructors’ Championship—a rarity for a team accustomed to dominance. McLaren and Ferrari frequently outpaced Red Bull, leaving Verstappen to rely on his skill and experience to secure victories.

Reflecting on Red Bull’s struggles, Button highlighted the dilemma Verstappen faces as he evaluates his future:

“Maybe he will look elsewhere. They’ve given him so much over the last few years in terms of performance, but he’s got to think of number one, which is himself.”


2025: A Make-or-Break Year for Red Bull

The 2025 season will be critical for Red Bull. As the final year of the current regulations, teams are expected to extract maximum performance before the rules reset in 2026. McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes are already positioned to bring their A-game, leaving Red Bull under immense pressure to deliver a championship-worthy car.

Button warned that Verstappen could face even greater challenges if Red Bull fails to produce a competitive package:

“If they start like they are now in 2025, it puts a lot of pressure on the drivers to maximize every weekend.”

With rivals stepping up their game, Verstappen’s ability to defend his title could be tested like never before.


2026: A Potential Turning Point for Verstappen

As Formula 1 prepares for a major regulation overhaul in 2026, Verstappen could find himself at a crossroads. While he is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, the Dutchman’s loyalty to the team might waver if the team cannot regain its competitive edge.

Speculation is already mounting about potential moves to rival teams. With Mercedes rebuilding its strength and Aston Martin poised to become a Honda-powered works team under Adrian Newey’s guidance, both outfits represent attractive destinations for Verstappen.

“If Red Bull doesn’t provide a car that’s up to standard, Verstappen might seriously consider a switch,” Button suggested.


The Looming Pressure of 2025

The 2025 season will be a litmus test for Red Bull’s ability to recover from its 2024 slump. If the team produces another inconsistent car, Verstappen’s patience could wear thin. The pressure to maximize every race weekend in an average car could take its toll on even the most talented driver on the grid.

Rival teams like McLaren and Ferrari have already demonstrated superior performance in 2024, and Mercedes is expected to return to form. If Red Bull cannot close the gap, Verstappen’s frustration may grow.


Will Verstappen Stay or Go?

Verstappen’s loyalty to Red Bull has been unwavering since his debut with the team in 2016, but F1 is a sport driven by results. If Red Bull fails to deliver a competitive package in the coming years, Verstappen’s future with the team could be in jeopardy.

While Button’s comments suggest that Verstappen should prioritize his career over loyalty, the 27-year-old’s decision will ultimately hinge on Red Bull’s ability to bounce back. With potential opportunities at Mercedes and Aston Martin looming, the 2026 season could mark a pivotal moment in Verstappen’s career.

For now, all eyes are on Red Bull as they attempt to reclaim their place at the top of the grid. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and Verstappen’s next move could redefine the balance of power in Formula 1.

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