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‘We are concerned’ – Red Bull boss reveals crisis meeting that could affect Max Verstappen’s future amid Mercedes rumours
With Max Verstappen unable to challenge McLaren at the Chinese Grand Prix, concerns are now arising over his future at Red Bull. The reigning four-time world champion finished fourth in Shanghai, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri untouchable in first ahead of teammate Lando Norris. This season isn’t going Verstappen’s way so farGetty Marko admitted concerns over his driver and his carSky Germany Verstappen couldn’t land a glove on Mercedes’ George Russell in third either, and was instead left battling with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who finished fifth ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton. Having finished second in the opener in Australia, Verstappen’s worst fears are starting to be confirmed, with his chances of defending his title starting to look low, as many had predicted. Red Bull are considered by some to have the fourth fastest car this season, and should that order play out, the Dutchman could well be looking for the exit door. Asked if he’s concerned about that eventuality and the car’s pace by Sky Germany, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko admitted things are getting serious. “There is a meeting in Milton Keynes this week where it will be discussed when and how we can make up for the deficit we currently have,” he said. “Until then, the goal is to score points wherever possible and as many as we can. “We are concerned, but it’s not like we’re throwing in the towel just yet.” Verstappen currently has a Red Bull contract until 2028, but has regularly said his priority is to be in a race winning car, and his father Jos repeatedly expressed his concerns about that last season. New regulations will come in next year which could shake up the order once more, and there is talk that Mercedes could make a move for Verstappen, something team principal and CEO Toto Wolff has talked up on numerous occasions. Wolff settled on junior driver Kimi Antonelli for 2025, and has since cooled off on his Verstappen talk, but rival McLaren CEO Zak Brown has said he thinks the No.1 will be at Mercedes next year. Wolff just grinned when pressed on if he’ll make a moveSky Germany Wolff also spoke to Sky about Verstappen’s situation at Red Bull and asked if there were any conversations and replied: “There is no conversation, silly season is starting early, we stand by our drivers. “The decision we’ve made with Kimi and George is delivering sensationally and consistently.” Asked if he would make a move for Verstappen if he knew he was available, he answered: “That question doesn’t even need to be asked today.” Antonelli came home in eighth in his second Grand Prix and admitted he was ‘very surprised’ to see fans vote for him as the Driver of the Day. However, there was more context behind the vote, as it turned out the 18-year-old’s car was damaged and he hadn’t been informed. “He [Wolff] didn’t want tell me so I wouldn’t panic probably,” Antonelli said with a smile. “I could feel something was weird from lap one.”
With Max Verstappen unable to challenge McLaren at the Chinese Grand Prix, concerns are now arising over his future at Red Bull.
The reigning four-time world champion finished fourth in Shanghai, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri untouchable in first ahead of teammate Lando Norris.
Verstappen couldn’t land a glove on Mercedes’ George Russell in third either, and was instead left battling with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who finished fifth ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton.
Having finished second in the opener in Australia, Verstappen’s worst fears are starting to be confirmed, with his chances of defending his title starting to look low, as many had predicted.
Red Bull are considered by some to have the fourth fastest car this season, and should that order play out, the Dutchman could well be looking for the exit door.
Asked if he’s concerned about that eventuality and the car’s pace by Sky Germany, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko admitted things are getting serious.
“There is a meeting in Milton Keynes this week where it will be discussed when and how we can make up for the deficit we currently have,” he said.
“Until then, the goal is to score points wherever possible and as many as we can.
“We are concerned, but it’s not like we’re throwing in the towel just yet.”
Verstappen currently has a Red Bull contract until 2028, but has regularly said his priority is to be in a race winning car, and his father Jos repeatedly expressed his concerns about that last season.
New regulations will come in next year which could shake up the order once more, and there is talk that Mercedes could make a move for Verstappen, something team principal and CEO Toto Wolff has talked up on numerous occasions.
Wolff settled on junior driver Kimi Antonelli for 2025, and has since cooled off on his Verstappen talk, but rival McLaren CEO Zak Brown has said he thinks the No.1 will be at Mercedes next year.
Wolff also spoke to Sky about Verstappen’s situation at Red Bull and asked if there were any conversations and replied: “There is no conversation, silly season is starting early, we stand by our drivers.
“The decision we’ve made with Kimi and George is delivering sensationally and consistently.”
Asked if he would make a move for Verstappen if he knew he was available, he answered: “That question doesn’t even need to be asked today.”
Antonelli came home in eighth in his second Grand Prix and admitted he was ‘very surprised’ to see fans vote for him as the Driver of the Day.
However, there was more context behind the vote, as it turned out the 18-year-old’s car was damaged and he hadn’t been informed.
“He [Wolff] didn’t want tell me so I wouldn’t panic probably,” Antonelli said with a smile.
“I could feel something was weird from lap one.”
