Red Bull Racing ace driver Max Verstappen, after winning seven of the first 10 grand prixs in 2024 season, lost following 6 races on the trot with just 2 podium finishes. Courtesy the the decline, his championship lead to Lando Norris of McLaren has come down to just 62 points.
To add to the misery, Red Bull Racing’s lead in constructors title is reduced to just 8 points over McLaren. Amid concerns of long-term stability in the aftermath of key personnel’s departure, Max Verstappen is apparently rethinking his future goals, with Helmut Marko casting doubt on the Dutch driver’s stay beyond the 2025 season.
Max Verstappen To Drive For Red Bull In 2025, Confirms Helmut Marko
Three-time world champion Max Verstappen is contracted with Red Bull until the 2028 season. However, due to a recent turn of unfortunate events, the commitment could cease to exist in the near future. Max enjoyed a dominant season with 17 race wins in 2023. In 2024, he’s just won 7 races with a championship lead also in jeopardy. Max’s car is uncompetitive and lacks significant pace and performance compared to McLaren. While this season is already in tatters, the Dutch driver will not abandon his team, at least for the 2025 season, as confirmed by senior advisor and close aide Helmut Marko. Interestingly, Marko refused to commit to 2026, when new engine regulations will be enforced.
“[But 2026] is so far away, and for now, our full focus is on the 2024 world championship,” Marko said. Notably, Red Bull is gambling for the 2026 season with a homegrown engine manufacturing project in partnership with Ford. While scepticism exists, the drink-based outfit has so far reported positive progress. However, for Max Verstappen, the fastest car is non-negotiable. Until and unless RBR can convince Max that they will rule the 2026 engine era with substantial proof, the defending world champion is unlikely to stay to see the end of his existing contract. With three seasons still to run before the new regulations come into effect, the uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s future highlights the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 and various factors that could influence a driver’s decision-making process.
Mercedes Closes Door For Max Verstappen After Signing Kimi Antonelli
Meanwhile, Mercedes’ relentless pursuit of Max Verstappen has officially died down as Toto Wolff signed Andrea Kimi Antonelli as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement from the 2025 season onwards. Wolff dismissed the speculations that Verstappen’s pursuit would continue in 2026. “There’s no discussion, there’s no second thoughts about what we are doing in 2026,” Wolff said.
Toto Wolff added that he is committed to delivering best results with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. He won’t go behind their back to talk to someone else. While Max Verstappen was definitely a target due to Red Bull Racing’s political turmoil, the Austrian team principal has moved on for the good. Antonelli is Mercedes future and will remain one irrespective of the 2025 season results.
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