The future of Max Verstappen a Red Bull Racing is destined to be one of the hottest topics of the Formula 1 paddock in 2025. After a disappointing Austrian Grand Prix, where Verstappen retired after a collision with Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the speculation on a potential movement to Mercedes has increased. Jos Verstappen, father of the four -time world champion, spoke openly of the situation in Red Bull and established clear requests for the main team Christian Horner and the consultant Helmut Marko. He warns that if Red Bull does not satisfy these conditions, Max will seek his future elsewhere. Here are the three key points that Jos Verstappen highlighted.

Firstly, Jos Verstappen stressed that Red Bull must provide Max with a competitive car. The RB21, the car this season, has struggled to compete with McLarens and Mercedes, as demonstrated at the Austrian Grand Prix, where Verstappen managed only to seventh place on the grid before retiring. Speaking with the Formule 1 magazine, Jos clarified that Red Bull must provide Max with a car that will allow him to challenge once again for the victories. “If they perform again again next year and we are in front, then Max will remain simply,” he said. Without a competitive car, Jos sees few reasons for his son, in particular with the new engine rules for 2026 on the horizon, which could cause a reshuffle in the oven order.

Secondly, Jos expressed concern for the internal stability of Red Bull. The departure of key characters like Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley weakened the team and Jos warned at the beginning of this year that these losses could be disastrous. “They are too many people who leave,” he told Motorsport.com, referring to the recent announcement that the head strategist Will Courtena will leave for McLaren in 2026. Jos believes that it is unacceptable that Max is constantly asked for these internal problems when he should focus on the races. Red Bull urges to face organizational chaos and create a stable work environment to maintain Max’s trust.

Third, Jos Verstappen indicated the relationship tense with Christian Horner as an obstacle. There have been tensions between Jos and Horner since 2024, including the accusations of inappropriate behavior against the team’s boss, for which Horner was acquitted. Jos publicly declared that the situation within Red Bull is unsustainable as long as Horner is in command and that this could lead to an “explosion” within the team. Although Max himself says that he determines his future, the difficult relationship between his father and Horner is a factor that could influence his decision. Jos suggested that a renovation, perhaps at Horner’s expense, is necessary to convince Max to stay.

Jos Verstappen’s comments arrive at a crucial moment. After the Austrian Grand Prix, the journalist Julianne Cerasoli reported that an escape clause was activated in the Max contract, as it is not between the first two of the championships in the middle of the year. This opens the door for a possible move, with Mercedes as the main candidate. Toto Wolff confirmed that Interviews are underway and George Russell has revealed that the negotiations with Verstappen are influencing his extension of the contract. Max himself remains shy, saying that “he does his things” and does not put pressure on anyone, but the pressure on the Red Bull is clearly palpable.

For Red Bull, the message is clear: deliver a quick car, stabilize the team and solve tensions with Horner or risk losing the star driver. With McLaren and Mercedes dominating in 2025 and the 2026 regulation changes by opening new opportunities, Max Verstappen faces a crucial choice. Jos Verstappen leaves no doubt that Red Bull has to do everything possible to keep his son on board. The world of Formula 1 is looking with suspended breath to see if Red Bull is up to the challenge or if Max will bring his talent elsewhere in search of a fifth world title.