A phone conversation between Red Bull team boss Christian Horner and Max Verstappen on May 6, 2025 has sent the Formula 1 world into turmoil. After the Miami Grand Prix, where Verstappen finished second behind Lando Norris, the pair discussed the future of Red Bull Racing, which is struggling with an uncompetitive RB21 and internal turmoil. Horner praised Verstappen as the team’s “savior,” but the four-time world champion responded with five strong words: “Give me a winning car.” The statement, revealed to RacingNews365 by sources close to the team, underscores Verstappen’s determination and puts pressure on Red Bull to deliver amid growing rumours about his future.
The conversation came shortly after Verstappen’s sister Victoria’s controversial announcement that Max was considering a sabbatical after 2025 to focus on his family. Horner, who has spent months brushing aside speculation over Verstappen’s future at Red Bull, used the conversation to reassure Max of his crucial role. “Max, you are our backbone. Without your achievements, we would be nowhere,” Horner reportedly said, pointing to Verstappen’s ability to steer the underperforming RB21 to podiums. He promised upgrades for the upcoming race in Imola and hinted at a more powerful engine for 2026, despite concerns over Red Bull’s own power unit. Horner also stressed team spirit: “We win and lose together.”
Verstappen’s response, however, was immediate and uncompromising. “Give me a winning car,” he said, shifting the blame back to Horner and the engineering team. It reflected his frustration with the RB21, which Horner said has suffered from simulator-track correlation issues that have meant updates often don’t have the desired effect. Verstappen’s dominant start to 2025, with pole in Miami despite a time penalty, masks the underlying issues, but his patience appears to be wearing thin. He has openly admitted that discussions with Mercedes and Aston Martin have taken place, and his contract until 2028 includes a performance clause that he can activate from the summer if Red Bull fail to deliver.
The timing of the conversation is telling. Red Bull is under pressure from McLaren’s ascent in the constructors’ championship and looming rule changes in 2026 that could make Red Bull’s new power unit less competitive. Horner has publicly called for changes to the rules, which could see drivers having to “lift” on straights, making racing “unnatural.” Internally, the team is struggling with the departure of key figures such as Adrian Newey, though Horner expressed confidence in the remaining “core group” around Verstappen, including Helmut Marko and race engineer Gianpierro Lambiase.
Horner’s response to Verstappen’s demand was cautiously optimistic. He acknowledged that the RB21 is “harder to drive” than the more stable Racing Bulls car, but stressed that Verstappen’s feel for the car is crucial to finding the right set-up. “Max is our main sensor,” Horner said, pointing to his pole in Japan after a set-up switch. Still, the simulator remains a weak point, and planned upgrades for Imola and Spain are being viewed with suspicion.
The Formula 1 community is divided over the news. On X, fans praised Verstappen’s directness, with comments such as “Max speaks clearly!” and “Without him, Red Bull would have no chance.” Others fear his threats could damage the team dynamic. McLaren’s Zak Brown called the situation “interesting” and hinted at a possible transfer, while Mercedes’ Toto Wolff continues to fish for Verstappen. Meanwhile, tensions are growing around FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who branded Victoria’s previous comments as “damaging.”
For Verstappen, now also a father to Lily, 2025 is a crucial year. His loyalty to Red Bull is strong, but as Horner admits: “No individual is bigger than the team.” With five races under his belt and a narrow lead in the championship, Verstappen’s future will depend on Red Bull’s ability to make good on his five words. The world is watching as the drama unfolds.
