At the dawn of a 2026 season that promises to be as uncertain as it is exciting, the question of Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull arises. While the Dutchman narrowly missed an incredible turnaround in 2025, his status within the team is sparking debates. Has he become too powerful to be just a driver, or does he remain a valuable asset within the Austrian team’s fold?
A spectacular 2025 season
The end of the 2025 season nearly saw Max Verstappen achieve an incredible turnaround. At one point, the Dutchman was 104 points behind the leader in the standings, but he ultimately finished the campaign just two points shy of world champion Lando Norris. A true feat, almost worthy of an action film where the hero makes a last-minute comeback to save the day.
This final third of the season was marked by the impressive recovery of Red Bull. Thanks to technical developments that propelled the RB21 to the same level as the McLaren MCL39, and the application of Laurent Mekies’ management methods, the team managed to revitalise its approach. Verstappen, for his part, was able to be in the right place at the right time to reap the rewards of this collective effort.
The “second seat syndrome” and dependence on Verstappen
In the ruthless world of Formula 1, it seems that a “Red Bull second seat syndrome” is emerging. The Dutchman’s teammates often appear overwhelmed by difficulties and struggle to thrive in his shadow. This raises a crucial question: is there a “Verstappen dependence” within the team? In other words, could Red Bull find itself in trouble if the champion decided to walk away?
As everyone approaches 2026 with a completely revised regulation and uncertainty about Red Bull’s ability to stay at the top, the question of Verstappen’s loyalty looms large. How can the team hope to retain a four-time world champion under such conditions?
Reassuring statements, but lingering doubts
Oliver Mintzlaff, the head of Red Bull, was quick to respond to these questions. “What is important to say is that I fear no performance clause in his contract,” he stated to De Telegraaf. According to him, what truly matters for an athlete is to feel that their team is fighting wholeheartedly for them. “I think Max is impressed by how the results and the atmosphere within the team have evolved this year.”
Mintzlaff goes further by stating: “Of course, Max always wants to win and have the best car possible, but that is also our goal. As long as Max feels that we are working towards that and doing everything we can, I think he will remain loyal to us.” A statement that, beneath a veneer of optimism, conceals a more complex reality.
Verstappen: a free driver or a man under pressure?
Having joined Red Bull’s junior programme late, Verstappen has become a cornerstone of the team since 2016. He has won four world titles with them, but he also enjoys an uncommon freedom, particularly the ability to race outside the championship. But would he be as free elsewhere? Mintzlaff remains cautious: “I cannot speak on behalf of other teams.”
According to him, Verstappen is mature enough to express his wishes. “When I talk to him, I understand that his goal is to finish his career with us.” But then, what if Red Bull fails to maintain its status as a winning team? The answer remains unclear, and Mintzlaff himself admits that 2026 could be a turning point: “No one knows, perhaps we will be the second or third team.”
The question of power at Red Bull
Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
When asked about the idea that Verstappen could now be considered the “boss” at Red Bull, Mintzlaff quickly set the record straight: “That’s absurd. I can tell you that all agreements are clear and he has never made any demands of me.” For him, Max is primarily an exceptional driver, but not a diva who dictates terms.
“But with us, there is only one boss, and that is the famous can that we sell.” An image that perfectly summarises the dynamics within the team. Mintzlaff is convinced that Verstappen will continue his career at Red Bull: “If he ever stops racing – I hope it won’t be too soon – I hope he will stay with us in another role.”
In conclusion, what is certain is that Verstappen remains an invaluable asset for Red Bull. His expertise and unique feel behind the wheel are rare qualities that could make him a future consultant or engineer if he ever chooses to leave the circuit.
