The Formula 1 world is abuzz with rumours following recent revelations surrounding Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull, with his girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, playing a central role in negotiations. According to reports on X and articles from PlanetF1 and RacingNews365 in April 2025, Piquet has made three strict demands for Red Bull in order to retain Verstappen, the four-time world champion. These demands, combined with the unexpected response from Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, have taken speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future to an all-time high, especially given Red Bull’s struggles in the 2025 season.

Verstappen, currently third in the drivers’ championship behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, has taken just one win in four races this year. The RB21 car is struggling with balance issues and tire wear, as highlighted in a Yahoo Sports article, which means Red Bull is no longer the fastest on the grid. This has led to speculation about a possible departure for Verstappen, partly due to a performance clause in his contract until 2028, which allows him to leave if he is not in the top three after the summer break, according to Sky Sports. Piquet, who has a major influence on Verstappen’s career decisions, has set three demands, according to sources at X: a competitive car for 2026, full transparency on team strategies and a stable working environment without internal conflict.

The first demand focuses on Red Bull’s ability to deliver a winning car for 2026, when new rules and Red Bull’s own engines, in partnership with Ford, come into effect. Piquet is said to have pushed for guarantees that Verstappen can challenge for titles, given his current deficit to McLaren. The second demand concerns transparency on strategic decisions, such as pit stops and race tactics, following incidents such as the botched pit stop in Bahrain, which infuriated Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen, as reported by The Athletic. Finally, Piquet is demanding an end to internal unrest, citing tensions between Horner and motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, which the Daily Mail reports are creating a “strange atmosphere” within the team.

What makes the situation even more explosive is Horner’s response to these demands. Rather than allay concerns, Horner stated during a press conference in Jeddah, as quoted by Reuters, that “Max will stay at Red Bull as long as he wants, but we will not be blackmailed by ultimatums.” The comment, seen by many as provocative, shocked fans and analysts, who expected Horner to strike a conciliatory tone. Posts on X suggest that Horner’s words have inflamed tensions with Piquet and Verstappen’s camp, with some fans speculating about a rift between Verstappen and Red Bull.

Despite the unrest, Verstappen himself has attempted to downplay the situation. In an interview with the BBC, he said he is “relaxed” about his future and believes Red Bull can solve the problems. He dismissed rumours of a move to Mercedes or Aston Martin, who are preparing an $88 million-a-year bid, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff backed this up by saying he is “convinced” of Verstappen’s loyalty, according to Yahoo Sports. Still, Piquet’s influence remains undeniable, with sources suggesting she plays a key role in protecting Verstappen’s interests.

As Red Bull prepares for the coming races, with Marko exuding optimism about upgrades for Imola, Verstappen’s future remains uncertain. Piquet’s demands and Horner’s surprise rebuttal have exposed the dynamics within the team, with the Formula 1 community anxiously awaiting whether Red Bull can live up to expectations. The combination of a faltering car, internal tensions and a determined Piquet makes this a crucial period for Verstappen and Red Bull. Whether these demands will result in a stronger team or a dramatic exit, only time will tell, but for now, this is the saga that has gripped Formula 1.