Breaking: Verstappen confirms Red Bull future DOUBTS amid team controversies over…read more
Verstappen confirms Red Bull future DOUBTS amid team controversies over…read more
Max Verstappen has confirmed that he had doubts about his future with Red Bull during the 2024 Formula 1 season. Despite securing his fourth drivers’ championship title in 2024, Verstappen admitted that the season was not without its challenges and controversies, both on and off the track. His victory solidified his place in F1 history alongside legends like Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel, both of whom also won all their titles with Red Bull. Verstappen, now a four-time champion, is contracted with the team until 2028, which means he could potentially break the all-time record for most championship titles if his dominance continues.
However, despite this long-term commitment, Verstappen has hinted at uncertainty regarding his future with Red Bull, especially amid the team’s internal turmoil. The 2024 season began with issues surrounding Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who was investigated for alleged inappropriate behavior, though he was cleared of any wrongdoing. The uncertainty around Horner, coupled with speculation about the future of Red Bull’s advisor Helmut Marko, led Verstappen to express his concerns. Earlier in the season, he made it clear that if Marko were to leave the team, he would consider his own future as well.
The tensions within Red Bull further escalated as Verstappen’s father, Jos, became involved in a public feud with Horner, and key figures like sporting director Jonathan Wheatley and chief designer Adrian Newey left the team. This period of instability caused Verstappen to reflect on his position within the team, and he openly admitted that at the time, he wasn’t fully sure about his future with Red Bull. “There was a lot going on,” Verstappen said in an interview with De Telegraaf. He emphasized that his comments were genuine and not a bluff, stating, “I meant it. It wasn’t a bluff. And they know that within the team too.”
Despite these doubts, Verstappen clarified that he is not the type to leave a team over a few challenges. While the internal issues at Red Bull had affected his confidence, he stated that simply walking away wasn’t his style. Verstappen’s loyalty to the team remains strong, even if the turbulent beginning to the season raised some questions about his long-term commitment. He acknowledged that his future at Red Bull would also be influenced by how the team navigates the upcoming 2026 regulation changes, which could play a pivotal role in his decision-making moving forward.
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