So, here’s the thing with Verstappen — he’s got more on his plate than a buffet, right? Performance is the biggie. Red Bull used to be, like, the top dogs from 2022 to the start of 2024. A fall from the peak, you know? Now, McLaren’s leading the pack. Red Bull’s still quick, probably the second-fastest car this year. But if you ask Verstappen, he’ll tell you it’s got balance issues. Like, he’s managed to snag four pole positions, all on those super speedy tracks — like, he just did that at Silverstone. Same as McLaren’s champ, Piastri. But in actual races? Yeah, it’s McLaren all the way.
Remember that Miami Grand Prix? Fourteen months back? It was like F1’s big plot twist. Newey’s last hurrah with Red Bull, and then bam! McLaren rolls out with a snazzy upgrade. Lando Norris grabs his first win, and Verstappen’s still cruising for a bit, but mid-season — McLaren takes the wheel. They got all winter to soup up their ride, and suddenly they’re leading this season.
Red Bull was the boss when those rules changed in 2022, kicking off their dominance. But now, yeah, feels like they misplaced their mojo. And you’ve got to wonder about that tech team now that Newey’s out of the picture.
There’s chatter about new rules next year. Could be Red Bull’s do-over moment. Or not. Sometimes if you’re dragging now, you might keep dragging. Who knows?
And oh boy, 2026 is going to be wild with those new engines, where like 50% of the juice is electric. Red Bull’s crafting their own thing with Ford’s help, but whispers say Mercedes might be ahead. While no one’s got a crystal ball, people in the know — read: the Verstappens — are a bit antsy.
Now, Max doesn’t have to jump ship just yet. He could just chill and wait to see how things shake out next year. But if he’s got even an inkling that Red Bull’s not cutting it, bailing might not seem all that risky after all.
