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Red Bull Faces Crisis as Verstappen's Future Hangs in the Balance

Technical setbacks, internal tensions, and performance concerns after Bahrain GP raise fears Verstappen may activate exit clause.

Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing answers questions in the media pen during the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on April 13, 2025 in Bahrain, Bahrain.
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Formula One F1 - Bahrain Grand Prix - Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain - April 10, 2025 Red Bull's Max Verstappen is seen ahead of the race REUTERS/Rula Rouhana/File photo

Overview

  • Max Verstappen finished sixth in Bahrain, citing brake issues, tire degradation, and pit stop delays, highlighting Red Bull's ongoing technical struggles.
  • Red Bull leadership, including Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, held urgent crisis talks to address the car's performance and operational issues.
  • Verstappen's contract includes a performance-based exit clause, fueling speculation he could leave for rivals like Mercedes or Aston Martin if improvements are not made.
  • Tensions escalated post-race, with Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermeulen, confronting Helmut Marko over the team's failures in the garage.
  • Upgrades are expected before the Imola race in May, but concerns persist about Red Bull's ability to compete with McLaren and Mercedes in the short term.