Max Verstappen’s Red Bull Future in Doubt After Bahrain Disaster

Max Verstappen and Red Bull have long been one of Formula 1’s most dominant duos. But after a troubling performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix, cracks are beginning to show—and Verstappen’s future with the team is under serious scrutiny.

In a race weekend described by the reigning world champion as a “catastrophe,” Verstappen endured a string of issues that left Red Bull fans stunned. From overheating tires and braking problems to two sluggish pit stops, the Dutch driver found himself at one point running last before recovering to finish sixth. It was a rare off day—but one that highlighted growing concerns within the Red Bull camp.

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko didn’t downplay the situation. Speaking to Sky Sport Germany, he admitted the team’s concern over Verstappen’s patience was “great,” emphasizing the need for rapid improvement. “Improvements need to come in the near future so that he once again has a car that he can win with,” Marko said.

Verstappen’s contract runs through 2028, but it reportedly includes a performance-related clause. If Red Bull can’t deliver a championship-contending car, Verstappen could theoretically walk away. With McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes all showing stronger pace in Bahrain, Red Bull’s dominance may be fading fast.

Signs of Verstappen’s frustration have surfaced in recent weeks. He liked a social media post criticizing Red Bull’s decision to replace Liam Lawson after just two races—hinting at disagreement with management. Meanwhile, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has expressed interest in Verstappen, and with both of his drivers out of contract after 2025, the door is open.

It’s not just Bahrain. Red Bull’s decline began midway through 2024, with Verstappen winning just two of the last 14 races. McLaren took home the constructors’ title, and the once-unbeatable Red Bull RB20 now seems outclassed. Questions are mounting over the impact of technical chief Adrian Newey’s departure and whether Red Bull’s car concept has simply hit a performance ceiling.

Despite the chaos, Verstappen isn’t giving up yet. “We had some issues that set us back, and we still have a lot of work to do on the car,” he said this week. But with the Saudi Arabian GP looming and upgrades not arriving until Imola in May, Red Bull’s road back to the top may be longer—and bumpier—than expected.