Formula 1 has been rocked by a massive internal crisis at Red Bull Racing, as reports emerged that three-time World Champion Max Verstappen has threatened to walk away from the team if teammate Sergio “Checo” Pérez is not retained for the 2026 season. The shocking development has triggered an emergency meeting between Red Bull executives and AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda, further deepening the chaos.

What began as routine speculation about contract negotiations and future driver lineups has suddenly exploded into a high-stakes showdown that could reshape the future of the most dominant team on the grid.

The Spark: Red Bull’s Contract Dilemma

With Pérez’s contract set to expire at the end of the 2025 season, rumors have been circulating for months about his potential replacement. While Pérez has shown flashes of brilliance — particularly with podium finishes and crucial points that have helped secure Red Bull’s Constructors’ dominance — his consistency compared to Verstappen has been called into question.

Team principal Christian Horner and Red Bull’s management were reportedly considering promoting Yuki Tsunoda or even looking outside the Red Bull program entirely to find a younger, long-term prospect.

However, the situation took a dramatic turn behind closed doors.

Verstappen Drops the Bombshell

According to multiple sources within the F1 paddock, Verstappen confronted Red Bull leadership last week, issuing a clear ultimatum: keep Checo Pérez or risk losing him.

“Max sees Checo not just as a teammate, but as a stabilizing force,” one insider revealed. “He doesn’t want to start over with a new driver, especially with all the regulations changing in 2026.”

Verstappen’s loyalty to Pérez reportedly stems from their strong working relationship and mutual respect, particularly during the intense title battles with Mercedes in 2021 and 2022. Verstappen is also concerned about internal team harmony being disrupted by introducing an unproven or unpredictable teammate.

This demand has caught Red Bull completely off-guard.

Emergency Talks with Tsunoda

Amidst the growing tension, Red Bull summoned Yuki Tsunoda — currently racing for their sister team, Visa Cash App RB (formerly AlphaTauri) — for an emergency meeting at their Milton Keynes headquarters. The purpose: to assess his readiness to move up to the senior team and gauge whether he could potentially coexist with Verstappen.

Tsunoda, known for his fiery on-track style and emotional radio messages, has made steady progress in the past two seasons. However, Red Bull is reportedly uncertain about whether he has the temperament and performance consistency to match the demands of a championship-winning team.

“It’s not just about speed,” one Red Bull engineer noted. “It’s about being able to handle the pressure of being in the shadow of Verstappen — and still deliver when it matters.”

Fans React with Shock and Speculation

News of Verstappen’s threat has sent shockwaves through the F1 community. Social media platforms exploded with debate, with #KeepCheco trending worldwide and fans fiercely defending the Mexican driver’s contributions to Red Bull’s recent success.

Some fans praised Verstappen for standing up for his teammate:

“Max is showing class. Loyalty matters. Checo deserves another shot.”

Others questioned whether Red Bull was putting too much power in one driver’s hands:

“This is a team, not Verstappen Racing. If Max wants full control, maybe it’s time for a change.”

What Happens Next?

With the 2026 regulation overhaul looming and other teams like Mercedes and Ferrari watching closely, Red Bull faces a critical decision. Do they prioritize long-term strategic planning and youth development, or do they maintain harmony by honoring Verstappen’s demand?

One thing is certain: the Verstappen-Pérez saga has added a new layer of drama to the F1 off-track season. If not handled carefully, it could trigger a seismic shift in team alliances — or even prompt the unthinkable: Verstappen walking away from the team he helped build into an F1 juggernaut.

Stay tuned — the Red Bull garage is no longer just about horsepower. Now, it’s about power struggles.