Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull Racing is set to be one of the hottest topics in the Formula 1 paddock in 2025. After a disappointing Austrian Grand Prix, where Verstappen retired after a collision with Andrea Kimi Antonelli, speculation over a potential move to Mercedes has only increased. Jos Verstappen, the father of the four-time world champion, has spoken out openly about the situation at Red Bull and has set clear demands for team principal Christian Horner and advisor Helmut Marko. He warns that if Red Bull do not meet these conditions, Max will seek his future elsewhere. Here are the three key points that Jos Verstappen has highlighted.
Firstly, Jos Verstappen has stressed that Red Bull must provide Max with a competitive car. The RB21, this season’s car, has struggled to compete with the McLarens and Mercedes, as demonstrated at the Austrian Grand Prix, where Verstappen only managed seventh on the grid before eventually retiring. Speaking to FORMULE 1 Magazine, Jos made it clear that Red Bull must provide Max with a car that will allow him to once again challenge for victories. “If they perform well again next year and we are at the front, then Max will simply stay,” he said. Without a competitive car, Jos sees little reason for his son to stay, especially with the new engine regulations for 2026 on the horizon, which could cause a reshuffle in the pecking order.
Secondly, Jos has expressed concern about Red Bull’s internal stability. The departure of key figures such as Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley has weakened the team, and Jos warned earlier this year that such losses could be disastrous. “It’s too many people leaving,” he told Motorsport.com, referring to the recent announcement that chief strategist Will Courtenay will leave for McLaren in 2026. Jos believes it is unacceptable that Max is constantly being asked about these internal issues when he should be focusing on racing. He urges Red Bull to address the organisational chaos and create a stable working environment to maintain Max’s trust.
Thirdly, Jos Verstappen has pointed to the tense relationship with Christian Horner as a stumbling block. There have been tensions between Jos and Horner since 2024, including allegations of inappropriate behaviour against the team boss, for which Horner was acquitted. Jos has publicly stated that the situation within Red Bull is untenable as long as Horner is in charge, and that this could lead to an “explosion” within the team. Although Max himself states that he determines his own future, the difficult relationship between his father and Horner is a factor that could influence his decision. Jos has suggested that a restructuring, possibly at the expense of Horner, is necessary to convince Max to stay.
Jos Verstappen’s comments come at a crucial time. After the Austrian Grand Prix, journalist Julianne Cerasoli reported that an escape clause in Max’s contract has been activated, as he is not in the top two of the championship halfway through the year. This opens the door for a possible move, with Mercedes as the main candidate. Toto Wolff has confirmed that talks are ongoing, and George Russell has revealed that negotiations with Verstappen are affecting his contract extension. Max himself remains coy, saying that he “does his thing” and does not put pressure on anyone, but the pressure on Red Bull is clearly palpable.
For Red Bull, the message is clear: deliver a fast car, stabilise the team and resolve tensions with Horner, or risk losing their star driver. With McLaren and Mercedes dominating in 2025, and the 2026 regulation changes opening up new opportunities, Max Verstappen faces a crucial choice. Jos Verstappen leaves no doubt that Red Bull must do everything it can to keep his son on board. The Formula 1 world is watching with bated breath to see whether Red Bull is up to the challenge, or whether Max will take his talent elsewhere in pursuit of a fifth world title.
