Verstappen Unfazed as Red Bull Grapples With Title Loss
Summary
Max Verstappen remained calm after narrowly missing his fifth F1 title while Red Bull staff showed visible disappointment. The team's emotional turmoil stems from internal conflicts and Helmut Marko's potential exit, raising questions about the partnership's future amid 2026 engine challenges.
Max Verstappen shrugged off his narrow championship defeat with characteristic calm, while Red Bull Racing staff displayed palpable disappointment after Abu Dhabi. The Dutch driver—whose late-season surge erased a 104-point deficit—congratulated Lando Norris without bitterness, having already secured four titles and viewing a fifth as a bonus rather than necessity.
Why it matters:
- Verstappen’s emotional resilience contrasts sharply with Red Bull’s visible distress, revealing deeper fractures within the team
- The outcome intensifies scrutiny on Helmut Marko’s role and the team’s ability to navigate 2026’s engine transition
- This moment could define the trajectory of Verstappen’s career and Red Bull’s dominance era
The details:
- Despite writing off the title early, Red Bull reignited hopes through five late-season wins with the improved RB21, creating unexpected pressure
- Internal turmoil persisted after Christian Horner’s dismissal, with lingering divisions between staff who supported the Austrian team principal’s removal
- Marko’s uncertain future: The 82-year-old advisor—who attended all 24 races—hinted at retirement, citing "complex" reasons after failing to secure Verstappen’s fifth title
- His influence has waned since Horner’s exit, with Laurent Mekies and Oliver Mintzlaff now sharing driver and strategic decisions
- 2026 engine challenge: Red Bull’s in-house power unit development adds pressure, as competitiveness against Mercedes and Ferrari in year one remains uncertain
What's next:
Red Bull’s ability to develop a competitive engine will determine whether Verstappen stays beyond 2026. The Dutch driver’s loyalty hinges on the team’s 2025 performance clarity—once the pecking order emerges, F1’s top driver will likely choose the fastest seat.
- Winter testing in Barcelona will reveal early signs of Red Bull’s progress, but the true test comes with 2026 regulations
- Marko’s potential departure could accelerate leadership changes, with Mekies positioned to assume greater authority amid the transition
Original Article :https://www.gpblog.com/en/features/verstappen-stands-tall-as-only-red-bull-membe...
