Max Verstappen Issues Ultimatum to Red Bull Amid Form Dip and U… read more
Max Verstappen has made it clear he is only interested in fighting for victories in Formula 1, delivering a pointed message to Red Bull as the team struggles to match the pace of rivals in the early stages of the 2025 season. The four-time world champion, who has become synonymous with success at Red Bull in recent years, has endured a tough start to his 10th season with the team. After six races, Verstappen has secured just one win and currently finds himself 32 points behind the championship leader, with McLaren emerging as the dominant force this year.
The contrast between Verstappen’s current form and his recent dominance is stark. The Dutch driver had won the previous four championships in convincing fashion, collecting 53 race wins in that period. However, 2025 has proven more difficult, with Red Bull’s RB21 seemingly falling behind both McLaren and Mercedes in terms of outright pace and race-day performance. The situation has led to mounting speculation about Verstappen’s future with the team, despite him being under contract until the end of the 2028 season.
Fueling those rumors are recent comments from Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko, who admitted Verstappen’s position at the team is a “great concern.” Marko revealed that the Dutchman’s contract contains performance-based exit clauses, meaning Verstappen could theoretically leave Red Bull early if the team fails to deliver a competitive car. This revelation has sparked interest from rival teams, particularly Mercedes and Aston Martin, who are said to be monitoring the situation closely.
Verstappen’s frustration became evident following the recent Miami Grand Prix, where he finished off the podium after a mid-race virtual safety car allowed Mercedes driver George Russell to leap ahead and secure a podium finish. Verstappen had attempted an aggressive move on the McLarens earlier in the race but ultimately admitted the effort was in vain.
“Zero chance [of winning in Miami],” Verstappen told Viaplay. “I tried something with the McLarens because I had nothing to lose. I had a bit of fun, but there wasn’t much more I could do. The virtual safety car just came out… it could happen, but it doesn’t matter if I finish third or fourth—that’s not what I’m here for, obviously.”
These candid remarks underscore Verstappen’s dissatisfaction and send a strong message to Red Bull management. He is not content with merely collecting points or fighting for podiums—his goal remains clear: winning races and championships.
The current standings reflect the shift in power. Verstappen sits third in the drivers’ championship, and Red Bull also ranks third in the constructors’ standings. The team’s struggles are being compounded by the resurgence of McLaren and Mercedes, both of whom appear to have found more speed and consistency early in the season.
Red Bull’s declining form has now stretched across the past year, and with major regulation changes looming in 2026, the team faces an uncertain future. The departure of Honda and the arrival of the Red Bull Powertrains department, developed in partnership with Ford, will mark a significant technical transition. While this change could potentially reinvigorate the team, it also carries considerable risk—especially if Red Bull fails to match the engine performance of their rivals.
In the midst of this turbulence, Verstappen’s comments serve as both a wake-up call and a warning. As the linchpin of Red Bull’s recent success, his potential departure would be a devastating blow. For now, Red Bull must focus on closing the performance gap and reassuring their star driver that the team remains capable of delivering world championship-caliber machinery—before it’s too late.
