Max Verstappen Skips Miami GP Media Day Due to Family Reasons Amid Rising Tensions at Red Bull
Max Verstappen’s absence from the scheduled media duties ahead of the 2025 Miami Grand Prix has triggered a wave of speculation within the Formula 1 community. Red Bull Racing officially stated that the three-time world champion skipped Thursday’s media engagements due to “private family matters,” as he traveled back to Monaco to be with his partner, Kelly Piquet, who is reportedly close to giving birth to their first child. Although the team maintains that the situation is strictly personal, Verstappen’s withdrawal from such a key part of the race weekend has prompted renewed scrutiny of his relationship with the team, especially amid growing reports of internal unrest.
According to team sources, Verstappen is expected to return to Miami in time for Friday’s first Free Practice (FP1) session. However, his decision to miss the mandatory media day—particularly in a weekend as competitive as this one—has been interpreted by some insiders as more than just a personal choice. The timing and circumstances have reignited conversations about possible strains within Red Bull, especially between Verstappen and team principal Christian Horner.
Family Comes First, But Signs of Friction Persist
While the impending birth of his child naturally takes precedence, Verstappen’s decision to leave the paddock and forego Thursday’s activities may also reflect deeper concerns. With Red Bull currently under pressure from both McLaren and Ferrari, Verstappen’s absence at such a critical moment suggests he may be reassessing his role and priorities. Becoming a father is undoubtedly life-changing, but the F1 paddock is abuzz with speculation that Verstappen’s actions are also a silent protest against the ongoing turmoil within the team.
People close to the matter have hinted that Verstappen, although focused on the championship, is increasingly disillusioned with the team’s internal politics. Reports of mounting tension between him and Horner have surfaced throughout the season, fueled by disagreements over how the team is being managed both on and off the track. While Red Bull has dismissed these reports as exaggerated, Verstappen’s decision to step away—however temporarily—has only intensified speculation.
Christian Horner Under the Microscope Once Again
Christian Horner, already under fire for various controversies this season, now faces additional questions about his leadership. Critics argue that Horner’s handling of off-track issues and internal team dynamics has contributed to a growing sense of instability within Red Bull. Verstappen’s withdrawal, whether directly aimed at Horner or not, is being seen by many as a possible indication of his eroding confidence in the team boss.
This incident follows earlier episodes that hinted at Verstappen’s unease. During the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend in Jeddah, Verstappen was involved in a tense exchange with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, signaling that his frustrations may not be limited to his own team. The broader picture suggests a driver who is increasingly uncomfortable with the politics of modern Formula 1 and perhaps seeking greater control over his environment.
Pressure Mounts Ahead of the Weekend
Assuming Verstappen does return in time for Friday’s practice sessions, he will face a tight schedule with limited time to prepare. Skipping Thursday’s media and briefing sessions means he’ll have to jump straight into action with minimal lead-in, which could impact his performance throughout the weekend. The reduced preparation time may also place additional strain on Red Bull’s overall strategy as they try to fend off fierce competition from rivals.
Should Verstappen be delayed further, the responsibility to secure crucial championship points could rest solely on the shoulders of his teammate, Sergio Pérez. While Pérez has shown flashes of competitiveness this season, the added pressure of carrying the team’s hopes in Miami could prove challenging. Red Bull, already navigating internal strain, now faces the very real possibility of entering the race weekend underprepared and unsettled.
A Crucial Test for Red Bull’s Stability
With tensions simmering both inside the garage and within the broader F1 paddock, the Miami Grand Prix is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for Red Bull Racing. Verstappen’s return—or continued absence—on Friday will not only influence the team’s performance on track but also serve as a signal of how stable (or unstable) the situation has become behind the scenes.
As one of the most dominant figures in modern Formula 1, Verstappen holds significant sway within Red Bull. His actions this week—whether driven purely by personal matters or subtly aimed at team management—underscore the increasingly delicate balance the team must maintain if they hope to retain their competitive edge.
All eyes will now be on Friday’s practice sessions and beyond, as Red Bull grapples with the dual challenges of managing personal priorities and internal tensions while staying ahead in a fiercely contested championship race.
