Max Verstappen’s New Leadership Role Sparks Red Bull’s Dramatic Late-Season Comeback
Red Bull’s 2025 Formula 1 season has taken a stunning turn in recent weeks, and it appears that Max Verstappen is playing a far bigger role in the team’s success than ever before. According to senior advisor Helmut Marko, the reigning four-time world champion is no longer just the driver leading the charge on track—he’s now a crucial figure in the technical and strategic decision-making within the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
After a difficult mid-season slump, Red Bull seemed to have lost its dominance. The Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August marked one of the team’s lowest points, with the car struggling for pace and consistency. At that stage, Verstappen appeared to be slipping out of the title fight, while rivals McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes were all closing in. Many believed Red Bull’s golden era might be coming to an end.
However, the team has since executed a remarkable turnaround. In the last six race weekends, Verstappen has been in outstanding form—securing three wins, two second-place finishes, and a third-place finish. That consistent run of top results has catapulted him right back into championship contention. With just four rounds remaining in the 2025 season, he now trails McLaren’s Lando Norris by only 36 points. Meanwhile, in the Constructors’ Championship, the top three teams—Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull—are separated by a mere ten points, setting up a thrilling finale to the season.
According to Marko, this resurgence isn’t just about better car performance or luck. It’s the result of a fundamental change within the team’s internal structure—one that has seen Verstappen take on a much more influential role behind the scenes. Speaking to Formule 1 Magazine, Marko explained that the Dutchman has become deeply involved in Red Bull’s technical discussions and development strategies, a move that has paid significant dividends.
“All the changes and adjustments have come together in an optimal way,” Marko revealed. “That’s why the car is now more competitive. Max has an important voice in the technical discussions with his experience. It was crucial that the engineers started listening to him more closely. They always respected his input, but now they’re involving him at a deeper level than before.”
This statement highlights a notable shift in how Red Bull approaches its development process. Verstappen’s feedback, once limited to post-session debriefs and setup adjustments, now plays a central role in guiding the car’s technical evolution. With years of experience driving different iterations of Red Bull’s machines—and an intimate understanding of the car’s limits—Verstappen’s insights have reportedly helped the engineering team identify key weaknesses and make targeted improvements.
Marko’s comments suggest that Red Bull has embraced a more collaborative model, where the synergy between driver and engineers is more pronounced. This has created an environment in which Verstappen’s feel for the car and racecraft are directly influencing the design and performance decisions that shape Red Bull’s on-track competitiveness.
Team insiders have hinted that Verstappen’s input was instrumental in recent aerodynamic updates and balance tweaks that improved tire wear and overall grip—issues that plagued the RB21 earlier in the season. His deeper technical involvement has also boosted team morale, reinforcing a collective belief that the championship remains within reach.
Verstappen himself has long been recognized for his meticulous feedback and relentless pursuit of perfection. Unlike some drivers who prefer to focus solely on performance behind the wheel, the Dutchman has a reputation for diving into the data and challenging engineers to push boundaries. His growing leadership within Red Bull’s technical department seems to be an extension of that trait.
The timing couldn’t be better. As the 2025 campaign nears its conclusion, Red Bull’s improved form has put the entire grid on alert. McLaren’s early-season momentum has waned, Ferrari’s consistency remains uncertain, and Mercedes is still struggling to extract the most from its package. Against that backdrop, Red Bull’s revival—fueled by Verstappen’s hands-on approach—could prove decisive.
With the Brazilian Grand Prix up next, the stakes are higher than ever. If Verstappen continues his current run, the championship fight could go down to the wire, reminiscent of his fierce title battle seasons of the past.
Ultimately, Verstappen’s expanded role symbolizes a new phase in Red Bull’s evolution—a blend of experience, leadership, and collaboration that is breathing new life into the team. Marko’s revelation underscores just how vital Verstappen’s influence has become, not only as Red Bull’s lead driver but as a key architect of their comeback.
As the season approaches its dramatic climax, one thing is certain: Max Verstappen is no longer just driving Red Bull’s success—he’s helping build it from the inside out.
