Max Verstappen Threatens to Leave Red Bull Over Car Woes: “I Can’t Even Brake”
In a dramatic outburst following a frustrating race weekend, three-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has issued a stark ultimatum to Red Bull Racing: fix the car or risk losing him. The Dutch driver, visibly exasperated, slammed the team’s recent upgrades, branding his RB21 a “waste of time” and declaring, “I can’t even brake properly.”
Verstappen’s comments came after a string of lackluster performances, with Red Bull struggling to match the pace of rivals McLaren and Ferrari in the 2025 season. The 27-year-old, known for his blunt demeanor, didn’t mince words when addressing the media. “If the team keeps this stupidity up, I’m gone,” he warned. “I’m here to win, not to fight for P5 or P6. This car is a step backward, and I’ve had enough.”
The reigning champion’s grievances center on Red Bull’s recent technical decisions, particularly changes to the car’s aerodynamics and braking system, which he claims have compromised its competitiveness. “It’s like driving a completely different machine,” Verstappen said. “Last year, I could trust the car. Now? I’m guessing every corner.”
Team principal Christian Horner acknowledged the driver’s frustrations but urged patience. “Max is a winner, and he’s right to demand the best,” Horner said. “We’re working flat-out to address the issues. This team has always bounced back, and we’ll do it again.” However, sources within Red Bull suggest internal tensions are rising, with engineers scrambling to pinpoint the root of the car’s deficiencies.
Verstappen’s threat to leave is no idle remark. With his contract running until 2028, speculation is rife about potential moves to Mercedes or Aston Martin, both of which have reportedly courted him in the past. The Dutchman’s dominance since 2021 has made him the sport’s biggest star, and losing him would be a catastrophic blow to Red Bull’s ambitions.
Fans on X have rallied behind Verstappen, with many echoing his frustration. “Red Bull’s throwing away a generational talent with this nonsense,” one user posted. Others, however, cautioned against rash decisions, pointing to the team’s history of overcoming challenges.
As the 2025 season heads toward its climax, all eyes are on Red Bull’s next move. Can they restore Verstappen’s faith—and his car’s performance—or will the sport’s fiercest competitor take his talents elsewhere? One thing is clear: Max Verstappen isn’t here to settle for second best.
