Fresh unrest at Red Bull puts Verstappen's future back on a knife-edge

Verstappen is not a quitter, even if the short-term sporting outlook is looking dark and gloomy. It’s no coincidence he stayed with Red Bull for 2026, even though Mercedes showed interest. Verstappen felt at home with the Austrians, alongside the people with whom he’s enjoyed success for over a decade. He will not just leave them behind because there might be more money elsewhere or a title to win.

The coming weeks will reveal to what extent Verstappen’s loyalty endures. Beyond the fact that the Dutchman is no fan of the technical regulations—which might even push him toward an early F1 retirement—he will undoubtedly want to see a clear path back to success.

No one needs to doubt Red Bull’s intentions; the team genuinely wants to improve. The question is: how? That, precisely, is causing internal unrest, as this website revealed on Saturday. One prominent team member has already resigned, and more may follow.

The people with whom Verstappen has such a strong bond are once again leaving one by one. How long will Verstappen himself stay on board? With fewer confidants at his side, the loyalty that has always defined him may diminish somewhat. A very human reaction, especially when the prospect of when better results might come remains unclear.

Admittedly, Toto Wolff has repeatedly said in recent weeks that he is very satisfied with his current drivers, George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. That seemed to close the door on Verstappen. But anyone who listened carefully to what Wolff actually said never heard: 'No, Verstappen won’t be joining us.'

Wolff will therefore be closely following the reports about Red Bull, and who knows, this year might indeed present the opportunity to sign the best driver on the F1 grid.