Red Bull’s Future in Flux as Horner Faces Key Decisions Amid Verstappen-Mercedes Speculation
As the 2025 Formula One season progresses, questions surrounding Red Bull Racing’s driver lineup have grown more persistent. Team principal and CEO Christian Horner appears to be moving swiftly to secure stability within the team, even as the speculation linking Max Verstappen with a move to Mercedes gains serious momentum.
Red Bull has struggled to maintain the level of dominance that defined its recent seasons. Yuki Tsunoda, in particular, has come under scrutiny after his P16 finish at the Austrian Grand Prix marked his longest run without scoring points in Red Bull colors. Meanwhile, Verstappen, the Dutch sensation and four-time world champion, has also been unable to recapture the commanding form that earned him consecutive titles. As of early July, he sits third in the Drivers’ Championship, trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by a significant 61 points.
This underwhelming form from the team has sparked increased uncertainty, not only regarding Tsunoda’s seat but also about Verstappen’s long-term commitment to Red Bull. Mercedes, keen to return to the top of the grid, is rumored to be closely monitoring Verstappen’s situation. Their decision to delay contract negotiations with George Russell and rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli suggests they may be keeping options open, should Verstappen become available.
The possibility of Verstappen departing would represent a major shift for Red Bull. Having been a central figure in the team for over a decade, his exit would be both a symbolic and strategic blow. Despite being under contract until 2028, reports indicate that certain performance clauses could allow Verstappen to trigger an early release—especially considering Red Bull’s current standing in both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships.
His 2025 performance so far underscores the struggles. While he has managed podium finishes—such as victories in Japan and Imola, and second places in Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Canada—other results have fallen below expectations. Fourth-place finishes in China, Miami, and Monaco, a sixth place in Bahrain, and a DNF in Austria have left him far off the top of the standings.
German sports journalist Felix Gorner weighed in on the potential shift, suggesting that Verstappen may already be preparing for a move to Mercedes. Speaking with Sport.de, Gorner predicted that if the transfer does occur, it could initiate a domino effect throughout the F1 paddock. According to him, Red Bull would be forced to reshape their lineup—and possibly the entire team dynamic.
Gorner floated the idea of Isack Hadjar stepping in, potentially taking Tsunoda’s place if the team decides to fully reshuffle. The young French-Algerian driver has been making waves with Racing Bulls, and his consistent performances have not gone unnoticed by Red Bull’s top brass. While Hadjar has long been linked with a future promotion, Verstappen’s departure could accelerate the timeline significantly.
As things stand, Christian Horner is at a crucial crossroads. With the pressure mounting from underwhelming results and intensifying rumors, his next decisions could redefine Red Bull’s direction for years to come. Whether he chooses to lock in promising talent like Hadjar, revisit negotiations with proven racers like
