Max Verstappen’s quest for a fifth consecutive Formula 1 title isn’t quite going to plan during the 2025 season.
Red Bull have struggled to develop a car which hasn’t made much progress since the start of last year, being swamped by their rivals at McLaren and even Mercedes in that time.
Verstappen has worked some minor miracles with impressive pole positions and a win in Suzuka, but the current deficit is too much for him to overcome by himself.
With the drivers’ championship creeping out of reach, he’s relying on the team to make effective upgrades to save his record-chasing charge, otherwise, his run of dominance will officially end after Abu Dhabi.
Red Bull are taking a ‘leap of faith’ with a brake upgrade soon, in a bid to close the enormous gap to the front. On race pace, McLaren were up to one second per lap faster in Miami.
After continuing to drop off the pace, Verstappen should be ‘angry’ at Red Bull, according to Italian expert Antonio Ghini, after the team has repeatedly failed to address any woes with their machine.
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Max Verstappen will ‘definitely’ compete in 24-hour races which might upset Red Bull F1 chiefs
Recently, the Dutchman has shown interest in other categories through his sim-racing ventures. Verstappen has a ‘secret’ plan for 2025 to compete in another series.
It’s a rumour echoed by Dutch pundit Jeroen Bleekemolen, who is certain that the four-time champion will compete in a 24-hour race soon. His recent test at the Nurburgring suggests that it could be there.
“He just thinks that he really wants to do that. He will definitely drive those 24 hours,” he said. “I’ve driven there a lot and still do occasionally, then yes, it is complicated because everything is open to everyone, right?
“The audience is just standing in your pit box. So yes, you do have to think about it if you are Max Verstappen.”
Normally, drivers have strict clauses in their contracts which limit them from participating in dangerous activities, which could prevent them from competing in Formula 1.
If Verstappen is allowed to venture into endurance racing, it’s unlikely to please Red Bull chiefs who will want him fully focused on a possible championship charge.
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Why Red Bull are under pressure to deliver for Max Verstappen
There’s a chance, albeit slim, that Verstappen could become frustrated to the stage where he starts looking at options elsewhere for his future.
The 27-year-old currently has a deal which sees him through until the end of 2028, which was signed at the start of the 2022 season.
As with most contracts, it is likely that there are clauses which will permit him to leave early. He has been the subject of rumours within the paddock for a while.
Verstappen links to Mercedes for 2026 were the first rumblings that he might move, followed by the odd mention of Aston Martin.
He has reiterated that he is happy with his current team, but on the terms that they continue to deliver a competitive car. The onus is on them to bring effective upgrades and give him a chance to win. Otherwise, he could be off.
