Max Verstappen sees Red Bull as a second family. But the cracks are deep. The Formula 1 champion remains at the center of future speculation. Was a spy sent by the majority owner?
Surrounded by journalists at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Max Verstappen briefly restored the ideal world at Red Bull. The Formula 1 racing team felt like a second family to him, said the three-time world champion in the paddock of the Australian Grand Prix . “I’m happy in the team.”
That can actually be Verstappen too. Red Bull has been racing ahead of the competition in the premier motorsport class for three years. And after Verstappen’s two Grand Prix successes at the start of the season, even before the third race on Sunday (5 a.m. German time/Sky), you can’t think of many reasons why something should change. If it weren’t for the explosive affair surrounding Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.
Highly explosive emails and delicate power struggles
The power-conscious official was accused of inappropriate behavior by an employee. After an investigation initiated by parent company Red Bull, the complaint was dismissed. But anonymous emails with juicy details fueled the affair, which in turn revealed power struggles at Red Bull.
Verstappen would like to just race, the weekend on the other side of the world initially had no new conflicts for Red Bull. “Thank God it’s getting quieter,” said motorsport consultant Helmut Marko. But the generally conflict-ridden atmosphere at Red Bull creates a lot of distraction from the action on the asphalt. Verstappen’s father Jos has already called for a separation from Horner in a somewhat vague manner.
The tabloid has spotted a “Thai spy.”
But the Brit can still be sure of the support of the Thai majority owners, who, according to the media, are in turn facing the Austrian side of the drinks group around the heirs of co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz, who died in 2022.
Boss Chalerm Yoovidhya reportedly even sent a family member to keep an eye on Horner and the company. The British tabloids use the crime-tested method to call it a “Thai spy.”
Verstappen’s declaration of intent
Against such a background, shouldn’t Verstappen want to try to get out of his contract, which runs until the end of 2028, early? “I intend to stay here until the end because it would be a great story,” the Dutchman replied to a question during his official media round.
Nevertheless, he is said to have a clause in his contract that should allow him to flee Red Bull if Marko, Horner’s opponent and, above all, Verstappen’s confidant, has to leave early. This was already on the cards a few weeks ago for the Austrian, who is contractually bound until the end of 2026. “It is very important that we try to keep the key figures in the team over a longer period of time, because that is where the performance can be found,” said Verstappen.
Mercedes is courting Verstappen
But that is not always easy. Mercedes, for example, will lose record world champion Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari in 2025. And team boss Toto Wolff is long past the flirting phase in Verstappen’s search for a successor. “I would love to have him,” Wolff recently campaigned aggressively. “There isn’t a team in the entire field that wouldn’t do handstands to have him in the car.”
Verstappen felt flattered by his shirtless manner. “It’s always nice to hear that. Toto and I, we had our little moments, but that’s normal between two teams fighting for championships. The respect was always there,” said Verstappen. Just don’t let that change his decision-making process.
“I don’t know what will happen after 2028”
However, Verstappen did not categorically rule out a move to Mercedes. “I don’t know what will happen after 2028. I don’t know whether I’ll stay in Formula 1 or sign a new contract,” said the 26-year-old.
Red Bull can currently provide Verstappen with the best car in the field. This is always essential for a star pilot. But the team does not want to insist on contract fulfillment. “If someone doesn’t want to work in this team, then we won’t force anyone to work here against their will,” said team boss Horner two weeks ago in Saudi Arabia. What would the “Thai spy” think of this statement?
Source: Stern

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