At the start of the 2025 season, Formula 1 is already rocked by unexpected turmoil. Max Verstappen, four-time world champion and undisputed figure of Red Bull Racing, finds himself at the center of a storm that mixes controversial decisions by the FIA ​​and internal turmoil within his team. With the season in full swing, two major events cast a shadow over the Dutchman’s future: the imposition of a strict curfew by the FIA ​​during race weekends and the chaotic replacement within Red Bull, described by observers as a “senseless shock.” What is happening behind the scenes in Milton Keynes, and will Verstappen remain loyal to the team that brought him to the top?

The FIA ​​surprised the paddock in March 2025 by announcing a new regulation: a curfew for drivers and teams during Grand Prix weekends. Officially, the goal is to limit late-night activities—such as long simulator sessions or endless strategy meetings—to preserve fairness and the health of those involved in the sport. But this measure seems particularly unfortunate for Max Verstappen, known for his obsessive dedication to performance, often at the expense of his sleep.

Verstappen, who usually spends hours on his personal simulator between sessions, reacted with a touch of irritation at a recent press conference: “I understand they want rules, but I’m not going to stop working on my race just because I’m told to sleep at 10 p.m.” The curfew, which prohibits any race-related activity after a certain hour, could hamper the Dutchman, whose meticulous preparation has often made the difference against his rivals. For Red Bull, which relies on the hyperactivity of its star driver, the new rule adds a layer of complexity to an already difficult season.

While the FIA ​​is making Verstappen’s life difficult from afar, chaos has ensued within Red Bull itself. After a mixed 2024 season, marked by a loss of competitiveness for the RB20 and a third-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship, the Austrian team has decided to make a big impact for 2025. But the replacement of Sergio Pérez, Verstappen’s teammate since 2021, with Liam Lawson, a young New Zealand driver promoted from the VCARB junior team, has turned into a fiasco.

Billed as a strategic move to boost the team, Lawson’s move to the lead driver seat was precipitated by a string of disappointing performances from Pérez at the end of last season. However, Lawson’s debut in 2025 was disastrous: a retirement from the first race in Melbourne due to a driver error, followed by a collision with Charles Leclerc in Jeddah, put Red Bull in a difficult position. Commentators were outspoken, calling the replacement a “senseless shock” as it appeared to have unbalanced the team at the worst possible time.

Verstappen, usually discreet about his teammates, did not hide his exasperation: “We need someone who scores points, not someone who costs us positions.” These internal tensions come as Red Bull struggles to regain its former dominance, with an RB21 which, despite improvements, remains behind McLaren and Ferrari.

Amid this turmoil, Max Verstappen’s future has become an enigma. Contracted to Red Bull until 2028, the Dutchman nevertheless has performance clauses that would allow him to leave if the team doesn’t offer him a car capable of contending for the title. With the FIA ​​curfew limiting his preparation and a teammate struggling to establish himself, could Verstappen consider leaving?

The rumors are rife. Aston Martin, boosted by the arrival of Adrian Newey (ex-Red Bull) and massive investments from Lawrence Stroll, is reportedly ready to offer the driver a golden bridge. Mercedes, in search of a successor to Lewis Hamilton, is also keeping an eye on him. For now, Verstappen remains true to his message: “I want to win with Red Bull, but everything has to be in place for that.” But how long will this loyalty last?

For Red Bull, the next few races will be decisive. If the team fails to stabilize its performance and integrate Lawson effectively, the pressure on Verstappen risks becoming unbearable. The FIA, with its curfew, may have inadvertently lit the fuse of a deeper crisis. One thing is certain: the future of Max Verstappen, a pillar of modern Formula 1, has never seemed so uncertain. Fans, Red Bull fans, and thrillers are holding their breath. What’s next promises to be explosive.