P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen has revealed Red Bull must provide a “competitive package” to guarantee it retains the reigning F1 champion.
Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship win with two races remaining at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, but faced challenges due to Red Bull’s mid-season decline in competitiveness. Despite a promising start with four wins in the first five races, Red Bull’s balance issues caused Verstappen to struggle with a 10-race winless streak. Verstappen’s exceptional driving, including a remarkable victory in Brazil, ultimately led to his championship triumph. Red Bull acknowledges the need to improve in order to provide Verstappen with a competitive car for future success, as mentioned by team official Vermeulen. Amid rumors of a possible team switch, Verstappen aims to finish his F1 career with Red Bull, but remains open to new opportunities beyond 2026.
