Red Bull Racing is pulling out all stops to convince three-time world champion Max Verstappen to stay, after he signaled willingness to leave if performance and stability don't improve. The team has outlined four critical steps to secure his future.
Red Bull Racing is pulling out all stops to convince three-time world champion Max Verstappen to stay, after he signaled willingness to leave if performance and stability don’t improve. According to a report by The Race, the team understands that keeping Verstappen requires radical steps including engine development and internal stability.
Why is Verstappen considering leaving?
Despite Red Bull’s dominance in recent years, Verstappen is concerned about the team’s relative performance decline, especially with the rise of Ferrari and McLaren. Recent management changes, including the departure of Adrian Newey, have raised questions about the team’s future.
What steps is Red Bull taking?
Developing the 2026 engine
Red Bull is working with Ford on a new engine for the 2026 regulations, an ambitious project aimed at ensuring future competitiveness. The team sees this project as a potential decisive factor in convincing Verstappen to stay.
Enhancing internal stability
Red Bull is seeking to stabilize its management structure after key departures by appointing new personnel and ensuring a stable working environment. The team is also improving communication with Verstappen to address his concerns.
Improving current performance
The team is working on developing the 2025 car to be more competitive, especially in races where performance has declined, such as the Monaco Grand Prix.
Enhanced financial offers
Although Verstappen has a contract until 2028, Red Bull is ready to offer additional financial incentives to secure his stay, including performance bonuses and image rights.
What would Verstappen’s departure mean for Red Bull?
Losing Verstappen would be a disaster for Red Bull, not only in terms of results but also marketing and media appeal. The team knows that replacing a driver of Verstappen’s caliber is nearly impossible at the moment.
Are there ready alternatives?
If Verstappen leaves, Red Bull might turn to drivers like Yuki Tsunoda or Daniel Ricciardo, but no one has Verstappen’s experience and abilities. A potential move for a driver from another team would be costly and complicated.
When will Verstappen make his final decision?
Verstappen is expected to wait until mid-2025 to assess Red Bull’s progress in engine development and performance improvement. If he doesn’t see tangible improvement, he may start exploring other options, most notably Mercedes or Aston Martin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Max Verstappen considering leaving Red Bull?
Verstappen is concerned about the team's relative performance decline, especially with the rise of Ferrari and McLaren. Management changes, such as Adrian Newey's departure, have also raised concerns about the team's future.
What steps is Red Bull taking to keep Verstappen?
Red Bull is developing a 2026 engine with Ford, enhancing internal stability, improving current car performance, and offering enhanced financial incentives including performance bonuses and image rights.
When will Verstappen make his final decision on staying or leaving?
Verstappen is expected to wait until mid-2025 to evaluate Red Bull's progress in engine development and performance improvement before making a final decision.
Sources
- The Race — Everything Red Bull's doing to convince Verstappen to stay
