Red Bull boss speaks bombshell out against Verstappen confirming the
The future of reigning Formula One World Champion Max Verstappen remains the subject of constant speculation within the sport, despite his long-term contract with Red Bull Racing running until 2028. Despite Verstappen’s recent dominance both on and off the track, Red Bull’s management continue to face questions about the Dutchman’s continued commitment to the team and Formula One.
Red Bull Racing has officially confirmed that Max Verstappen, who has been a dominant force in Formula One since joining the team in 2016, will continue to drive for the team in the upcoming 2024 season despite what the Dutchman claims he might do when speaking about retirement.
Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff made the announcement in a recent interview with *Kicker*: “Max Verstappen will continue to drive for Red Bull Racing next year.”
The 27-year-old Dutchman has built an impressive legacy, winning three consecutive world championships from 2021. Heading into the 2024 season, Verstappen remains at the top of the Drivers’ Championship standings, although his lead is narrowing with McLaren’s Lando Norris hot on his heels.
However, despite the outward certainty of his future at Red Bull, whispers of tension and speculation about his long-term prospects persist.
Retirement rumours loom over Verstappen’s future
The question of Verstappen’s long-term future in F1 is fuelled by more than just the length of his contract. There has been ongoing uncertainty over his desire to remain in the sport.
Earlier this year, the Red Bull star openly expressed his frustration with Formula One’s governing body, the FIA, over a penalty imposed on him. The punishment, for allegedly using inappropriate language, prompted Verstappen to suggest that retirement could be on the cards sooner than many had expected. His comments have left fans and pundits alike questioning his continued presence in the sport.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who has been instrumental in shaping Verstappen’s career, recently stressed the seriousness of the matter, warning the media and the F1 community: “Max must be taken seriously.”
This statement, coupled with Verstappen’s previous threats to leave the sport, has done little to quell the ongoing speculation.
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Uncertainty over Sergio Perez’s seat
While Verstappen’s presence at Red Bull in 2024 has been confirmed, teammate Sergio Perez’s position appears less certain. Although Perez recently signed a contract extension, doubts remain over whether he will continue as Verstappen’s team-mate next season.
The Mexican’s performances have been inconsistent, and his future at Red Bull could hinge on his ability to perform in the final stages of this season.
Red Bull, known for making bold and sometimes surprising personnel decisions, could be on the verge of another shake-up in their driver line-up. While Perez’s extension may seem like a vote of confidence, it does not necessarily guarantee him a seat in 2024, especially given Red Bull’s traditionally high performance standards.
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Red Bull’s performance woes: A matter of perspective
Amidst these driver-related questions, Red Bull’s overall performance this season has also come under scrutiny. While the team has enjoyed tremendous success in recent years, including back-to-back Drivers’ Championships, the 2024 season has not been without its challenges.
However, Oliver Mintzlaff was quick to play down any concerns, offering a balanced perspective in his interview.
“Of course we are not satisfied with the way the season has gone,” admitted Mintzlaff.
“But I find it difficult to denigrate a team that has done so well in recent years. We are still leading the Drivers’ Championship and that is true.”
He made it clear that Red Bull expects Verstappen to win another title this season, despite the team’s mixed performances throughout the year.
As Mintzlaff put it, “Max Verstappen is still number one and we expect him to be world champion again this season.”
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The road ahead: A challenging end to the season
With just a handful of races left in the 2023 season, the pressure is on for Red Bull and its drivers to maintain their position at the top of the championship standings.
The next race is in the United States on 20 October, followed by a gruelling schedule that takes F1 to Mexico, Brazil, Qatar and Abu Dhabi before the season finale in December.
Mintzlaff has stressed that any final assessment of the team’s performance this season will be made after the final race. For now, fans and insiders alike will have to wait and see how Red Bull’s season ends, and whether Verstappen will continue to reign supreme in the sport.
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The uncertain future of F1’s champion
As Max Verstappen continues his march towards what many believe will be a fourth consecutive world championship, the Dutchman’s future remains a mystery. His contract may tie him to Red Bull until 2028, but his public frustrations and hints of early retirement have left a lingering question mark over his long-term commitment to the sport.
With teammate Sergio Perez’s future also in doubt, Red Bull Racing faces a potentially turbulent off-season. But for now, all eyes remain on the final races of 2023 and whether Verstappen can once again assert his dominance in F1’s ever-competitive world.
Daniel Ricciardo is unusual in Red Bull’s F1 history of drivers. The Aussie left the current world champions to race for the works Renault team in 2019 but returned four years later as just a reserve driver.
No other driver has been welcomed back into the Red Bull fold after departing and Ricciardo should have been the last person the team considered in 2023, following revelations from Dr. Helmut Marko.
