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How Max Verstappen’s title charge may have harmed Red Bull’s future
Red Bull F1 team principal Laurent Mekies has acknowledged that pushing for Max Verstappen’s fifth world championship in 2025 may have consequences for the team in the upcoming season, especially considering the upcoming regulatory changes. Despite initially falling behind in the championship, Verstappen’s late-season resurgence nearly brought him his fifth title, ultimately finishing as the runner-up. Red Bull, along with Ferrari and Mercedes, are aiming to challenge McLaren’s dominance in the upcoming season amid major rule changes.
Mekies praised the team’s commitment to the championship goal in 2025, even though it may impact their competitiveness in 2026 due to heavy investment in development. There are concerns about Verstappen’s long-term future at Red Bull, with his contract reportedly containing exit clauses related to the team’s ability to provide a championship-winning car. Red Bull faces pressure to improve performance in 2026 to retain Verstappen and avoid losing him to another team as several drivers’ contracts expire at the end of the season.
