BREAKING NEWS: Max Verstappen makes a REQUEST to Redbull right after the Austrian GP directly related to Checo Perez “If that doesn’t happen, I’m out of here” !!

In a stunning turn of events following the Austrian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 world champion, has reportedly issued a dramatic ultimatum to his Red Bull Racing team regarding his teammate, Sergio “Checo” Perez. The Dutch driver, known for his fierce competitiveness and no-nonsense attitude, is said to have demanded significant changes within the team, directly tied to Perez’s role, with a clear warning: if his demands are not met, he is prepared to walk away from Red Bull. This bombshell has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock, raising questions about the future of one of the sport’s most dominant teams.

The Austrian Grand Prix, held at the Red Bull Ring, was expected to be a showcase of Red Bull’s strength on their home turf. However, the race weekend was marred by internal tensions and underwhelming performances, particularly from Perez. While Verstappen managed to secure a podium finish, Perez struggled, finishing outside the top five, further highlighting the performance gap between the two drivers. Sources close to the team suggest that Verstappen’s frustration reached a boiling point after the race, prompting his bold ultimatum during a heated discussion with team principal Christian Horner and other key figures.

Verstappen’s primary concern appears to center on Perez’s inconsistent form throughout the 2025 season. While Perez has shown flashes of brilliance in previous years, his 2025 campaign has been plagued by qualifying mishaps and race-day struggles, costing Red Bull valuable points in the Constructors’ Championship. With McLaren and Ferrari closing the gap in the team standings, Verstappen is reportedly unwilling to tolerate a teammate who cannot consistently deliver results to support the team’s title ambitions. His ultimatum is said to include a demand for Red Bull to reassess Perez’s position, potentially replacing him with a driver capable of matching Verstappen’s pace and contributing more significantly to the team’s success.

The timing of Verstappen’s statement is particularly significant, as his contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but includes clauses that could allow him to exit earlier under certain conditions. Speculation is rife that Verstappen, who has been linked to Mercedes and Aston Martin in recent months, is using this ultimatum to force Red Bull’s hand. The 27-year-old driver is at the peak of his career, and his dominance on the track—evidenced by multiple race wins this season—gives him significant leverage in negotiations. Losing Verstappen would be a catastrophic blow to Red Bull, who have built their recent success around his exceptional talent.

Perez, for his part, has remained relatively quiet in the face of the controversy. The Mexican driver, a fan favorite for his resilience and likability, has faced mounting pressure as his performance has come under scrutiny. Despite securing a contract extension earlier this year, Perez’s future with Red Bull now appears uncertain. The team must weigh the risk of alienating their star driver against the potential backlash of parting ways with Perez, who has been a loyal and popular member of the squad since joining in 2021.

The broader implications of Verstappen’s ultimatum extend beyond Red Bull. The driver market for 2026 is already heating up, with several top teams eyeing available talent. If Verstappen were to leave Red Bull, it could trigger a domino effect, reshaping the grid and intensifying competition among teams vying for his signature. Mercedes, in particular, has been open about their interest in Verstappen as they plan for a post-Lewis Hamilton era, while Aston Martin’s ambitious project, backed by Honda, could also appeal to the Dutchman.

Red Bull now faces a critical juncture. Christian Horner and the team’s leadership must navigate this crisis carefully, balancing Verstappen’s demands with the need to maintain team harmony. Options on the table reportedly include promoting a driver from Red Bull’s junior program, such as Liam Lawson, or pursuing an experienced name like Carlos Sainz, who remains a free agent for 2026. Whatever decision Red Bull makes, it will have far-reaching consequences for the team and the sport.

As the Formula 1 circus moves to the next race, all eyes will be on Red Bull’s response to Verstappen’s ultimatum. Will the team meet his demands and secure his loyalty, or is this the beginning of the end for Verstappen’s tenure with Red Bull? The coming weeks promise to be a defining moment in the 2025 season, with the potential to reshape the future of Formula 1.