In the realm of Formula 1, appearances hold significant weight, and Max Verstappen has meticulously distanced himself from the political intricacies that have menaced the Red Bull organization over the preceding period of one and a half years.
Publicly, his critiques have centered on the vehicle’s characteristics: both the RB20 (subsequent to Miami 2024) and RB21 have displayed a vexing lack of uniformity, rendering them challenging to manage. The underlying turmoil has been delegated to his father, Jos, and his representative, Raymond Vermeulen.
It is through these channels, frequently via the Dutch publication De Telegraaf – which functions as the voice of ‘Team Max’ akin to Pravda‘s role for the Russian Communist Party – that details concerning Max’s lingering discontent with the team, and the potential activation of a contractual performance stipulation to depart Red Bull as early as the past summer, have surfaced.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that Max, his father, and his representative operate in unison – and that the viewpoints articulated in De Telegraaf originate directly from the source.
The recent discourse with Vermeulen serves as an authorized justification for Max’s choice to remain with Red Bull – for the moment – and a calculated reminder of his leverage.
In 2022, Verstappen formalized an extended commitment with Red Bull, securing his position with the team until the culmination of 2028. Nevertheless, all agreements encompass provisions for termination by either party, and it is commonly accepted that this year’s stipulation mandated Max’s placement no lower than third in the drivers’ standings by mid-season.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Team
Photo by: Mark Thompson – Getty Images
It is also comprehended that the performance stipulations become progressively more demanding of Red Bull from the ensuing year forward – a stipulation conceded by the team to facilitate the finalization of such a protracted arrangement.
Undeniably, at the time of the contract’s execution, Red Bull possessed the most formidable vehicle within the competition. It would have proven challenging to foresee the extraordinary sequence of events that has transpired over the past year and a half: a decline in competitiveness, inconsistent vehicles exhibiting fluctuating performance from one week to the next, all unfolding against a backdrop of insignificant and self-destructive internal strife at the senior management echelon.
Thus, the core message of the discourse, articulated through diplomatic language, conveys a forthright communication to Red Bull concerning the locus of authority.
“It would constitute a remarkable narrative if he [Verstappen] were to dedicate his entire Formula 1 tenure to Red Bull,” Vermeulen stated. “However, that outcome will solely materialize if he is furnished with the resources to secure victories.”
This sentiment aligns closely with the prevailing undercurrent emanating from ‘Team Max’ throughout the preceding 18 months. Vermeulen expanded upon this, elucidating the rationale for remaining with Red Bull for the present (while glossing over the reality that Verstappen lacked the capacity to trigger his performance stipulation regardless), and establishing a timeframe for the actions required by the team to retain his services.
Furthermore, he affirmed Max’s intent to persist in – and indeed amplify – his supplementary pursuits, such as GT racing. This subject has engendered contention even for Verstappen’s associate Helmut Marko, who demonstrably desires Max to concentrate solely on F1.
Verstappen in the #980 Lionspeed GP, Porsche Cayman GT4, at the Nurburgring
Photo by: Jan Brucke/VLN
“Prior to the summer intermission, it became evident that we are committed to Red Bull for 2026,” Vermeulen stated. “I believe that constitutes the appropriate decision. Even if Max possessed the capacity to trigger his performance stipulation, the feasibility of him exercising that option remained questionable.
“The advent of the new regulations could precipitate alterations in the forthcoming year. Consequently, it would prove more prudent to observe the unfolding developments – the progression of the competitive landscape and the relative positioning of each entity.
“Based on that evaluation, further considerations can be entertained. This scenario is not novel, as evidenced by our transition from Toro Rosso to Red Bull in 2016, and subsequently from Renault to Honda engines.
“Those junctures prompted introspection regarding potential ramifications. These developments are consistently monitored by the collective comprising Max, Jos, and myself. Ultimately, Max retains the prerogative of final determination.”
Vermeulen acknowledged that a prospective transfer to an alternative team in the following year would have represented “a substantial gamble,” given the magnitude of the alterations to the technical regulations. Omitted from the discussion was the widely held conviction that Mercedes’ engine endeavor possesses the most advanced capabilities, while Red Bull’s internal initiative encounters considerable impediments.
Regardless, embarking on the enterprise of engine construction was invariably destined to be arduous, notwithstanding the collaborative assistance from Ford and the recruitment of highly skilled personnel from competing manufacturers. The team nearly solidified a partnership with Porsche, but the agreement faltered – with allegations circulating that former team principal Christian Horner played a pivotal role in undermining the alliance due to Porsche’s pursuit of equity within the team.
Max Verstappen and father Jos
Photo by: Mark Thompson – Getty Images
This represents another instance of political considerations impeding performance. Verstappen maintains indifference towards political machinations.
“The forthcoming year will encompass not only the engine but also the chassis,” Vermeulen elucidated. “Additionally, the individuals integrated into the team and their resultant influence must be taken into account. It bears resemblance to assembling a jigsaw puzzle.
“Hence, the determination was made to prolong the association for at least one additional year. Max aspires to secure additional championships in the future, a pursuit that remains unfulfilled. However, he remains contingent upon the availability of suitable resources.
“Consequently, I anticipate 2026 to serve as a pivotal year, one that will dictate the trajectory of his Formula 1 career.”
This constitutes a de facto ultimatum: Max intends to utilize the forthcoming year to assess the prevailing circumstances and will subsequently align himself with the team possessing the most competitive vehicle. A subtle supplementary inquiry regarding Max’s status as the most sought-after driver on the grid afforded the opportunity to reiterate the point and remind Red Bull that Max retains autonomy over his activities outside the realm of F1.
“The sheer reality is that Max constitutes the swiftest individual on the grid,” Vermeulen emphasized. “Teams invest vast sums to extract marginal gains from their vehicles. Acquiring a driver who inherently contributes those gains renders that driver a highly desirable asset.
“Furthermore, Max enjoys considerable latitude within Red Bull. This facet constitutes an integral aspect of the organization, distinguishing it from a purely corporate entity. We have consistently presented Max’s desires openly.
#980 Lionspeed GP, Porsche Cayman GT4 – Max Verstappen
Photo by: Jan Brucke/VLN
“And they perceive the complete elation Max exhibits when discussing racing in a GT3 vehicle, for instance. What could be more advantageous than retaining a contented driver within your fold?”
Considering that Helmut Marko, a mere fortnight prior, was virtually celebrating with exuberance and asserting that Max had refrained from mentioning GT3 racing since the RB21’s performance surge at Monza, this gesture serves as an unambiguous exertion of influence. Marko has also previously voiced concerns regarding Verstappen’s engagement in sim racing, even decreeing a prohibition on Max’s participation during grand prix weekends.
Consequently, the ensuing question – “Does that [GT racing] impart energy to him?” – constituted another thoughtfully presented opportunity to underscore the central point.
“Racing epitomizes his passion,” Vermeulen responded, “irrespective of whether it occurs in Formula 1, within the simulator, or in GT3. This engagement genuinely energizes him.
“And I posit that it contributes to his development as a superior driver. He dedicates considerable time to all facets of our endeavors with Verstappen.com Racing. For instance, he collaborated with Atze Kerkhof to establish Pro Simulations, which furnishes simulator support to racing teams and individual drivers alike.
“I observe Max’s complete immersion in that domain.”
The distilled essence of the message, therefore, conveys the following: you are granted one additional season to substantiate your capacity to construct a competitive vehicle. Furthermore, refrain from interfering in our supplementary affairs…
