Is Max Verstappen Staying at Red Bull? Insights from the 2025 F1 Belgian GP

Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull has been a hot topic following the recent dismissal of Christian Horner, the team principal who played a pivotal role in Verstappen’s four world championships. With rumors swirling about potential moves to Mercedes and the appointment of Laurent Mekies as the new Red Bull team principal, the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix provided a critical moment for clarity. Here, we dive deep into what Verstappen shared with the press, the internal dynamics at Red Bull, and the broader implications for Formula 1‘s driver market and team strategies.

Max Verstappen’s Reaction to Christian Horner’s Dismissal

The news of Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull came as a surprise to many, including Verstappen himself. He revealed that he was informed about the decision just half a day before it became public, and interestingly, it was shareholders who broke the news to him. Despite the suddenness, Verstappen has maintained a respectful and familial relationship with Horner, emphasizing that their personal connection remains intact even as the professional chapter closes.

When pressed about whether he believed change was necessary within the team, Verstappen diplomatically deferred to the management’s prerogative, stating, “They make these decisions.” He acknowledged that the last year and a half had been challenging for Red Bull, hinting at the struggles that have plagued the team recently. Despite this, Verstappen expressed optimism about continuing his journey with Red Bull, highlighting the intense two weeks that Laurent Mekies has experienced stepping into his new role. Mekies himself admitted he hasn’t even had time to settle into a bigger office, showing the whirlwind nature of the transition.

Will Max Verstappen Continue Driving for Red Bull in 2026?

Speculation about Verstappen’s contract and his place at Red Bull next year dominated the press conference. When asked directly if he would be driving for Red Bull next year, Verstappen’s response was characteristically playful yet pointed: “There’s a possibility I won’t wake up tomorrow.” However, he quickly reassured fans and media alike that he is happy where he is, dispelling rumors of secret meetings with Mercedes’ Toto Wolff in Sardinia. Verstappen clarified that he was simply on holiday with friends and family, swimming in the ocean — nothing more.

Behind the scenes, it seems key figures within Red Bull have been in discussions with Verstappen, encouraging him to stay. The team has reminded the reigning champion of their mutual successes — four world championships and countless victories — and the significant investment the team has made in his career. Despite the current poor season performance, the message to Verstappen is to trust the team, remain for the remainder of 2025, and help develop the car for next year. If the 2026 car turns out to be uncompetitive, the door remains open for further discussions.

From an analytical perspective, Verstappen’s return to Red Bull next year seems highly likely. The question remains whether Red Bull can produce a car capable of challenging for wins and titles, a challenge that has proven difficult this season.

The Mercedes Factor and Toto Wolff’s Position

Adding another layer to the speculation is Toto Wolff’s recent comments on Austrian broadcaster ORF. Wolff emphasized that Mercedes’ focus remains firmly on their current drivers, Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, signaling no immediate pursuit of Verstappen. While Aston Martin remains a potential landing spot for star drivers, Verstappen switching to Mercedes or Aston Martin in 2026 appears unlikely, at least according to Wolff’s public stance.

This stance also raises questions about George Russell’s future at Mercedes. With Verstappen’s potential availability stirring interest, the dynamics between the top teams and their driver lineups could become increasingly complex. However, as it stands, Mercedes appears committed to their current lineup, focusing on developing their cars and team cohesion.

Red Bull’s Internal Changes: Communications and Leadership

The shake-up at Red Bull extends beyond the team principal position. Paul Smith, the communications manager, was also let go, leaving a temporary vacancy in the role. Alice Hedworth, familiar to fans as a media presence standing alongside drivers during interviews, has stepped up to cover the communications responsibilities for the remainder of the season. The team will reassess and decide on a permanent replacement at the end of the year.

Such changes in the management and communications teams signal a broader attempt by Red Bull to reset and refocus as they navigate a difficult season. These shifts may impact the team’s public relations and internal morale, but the presence of experienced personnel like Hedworth provides continuity in the short term.

Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Challenges

Meanwhile, across the paddock, Lewis Hamilton arrived at the Belgian GP sporting Ferrari gear, a visual reminder of his ongoing collaboration with the iconic team. Hamilton was candid about Ferrari’s current struggles, describing the organization as “huge with a lot of moving parts,” many of which are not functioning optimally. He stated, “I feel like it’s my job to challenge every area, to challenge everyone in the team, particularly everyone at the top.”

Hamilton also noted that Ferrari has had several talented drivers in the past, including Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, who never clinched titles with the team. His remarks underline the frustration and high expectations within Ferrari as they seek to return to championship-winning form.

Insights on George Russell and Spa’s Unique Racing Conditions

George Russell’s experience at Spa-Francorchamps last year offers an interesting technical insight into how race regulations and track layout can impact outcomes. Russell lost the previous Belgian GP due to his car being underweight after the race, linked to the absence of a cool-down lap at Spa.

Unlike most circuits, Spa does not have a cool-down lap, which usually allows drivers to pick up extra weight by driving off the racing line and collecting rubber debris from the track. The unique layout means drivers only pass through one corner before returning to the pits, limiting their ability to gain weight post-race. Had Russell been able to complete a full cool-down lap, he may have retained enough weight to secure that win.

Driver and Paddock Tidbits: Lando Norris, Esteban Ocon, and More

Off-track stories added color to the Belgian GP weekend. Lando Norris’s nose injury from an earlier race was barely visible, a testament to his resilience. The Spa paddock itself presents an unusual architectural setup, with hospitality suites on the lower level and engineering garages above, connected by a staircase.

DHL’s newly upgraded motorhome caught attention with its impressive design, marking one of the many logistical enhancements teams and partners bring to race weekends.

Esteban Ocon shared a lighter moment, expressing his fondness for La Entrecote, a Parisian restaurant notorious for long wait times—a sentiment many fans could relate to. Pierre Gasly was spotted sporting a stylish sweater and Goyard bag, showcasing the crossover between racing and fashion.

Franco Colapinto received warm greetings from his former Williams PR crew as he arrived for his seventh race with Alpine, highlighting the camaraderie and lasting connections within the F1 community.

Oliver Bearman’s Karting Challenge in Sweden

Between races, Oliver Bearman took some downtime in Sweden, where he found a local go-kart track and set out to break the track record. It took several days of persistence, but late on the third day, he finally achieved his goal. This story underscores the dedication and competitive spirit shared by drivers at all levels.

The Iconic Eau Rouge and Raidillon Corners at Spa

The Spa-Francorchamps circuit is world-renowned for its challenging layout, and one section that captivates drivers and fans alike is the Eau Rouge-Raidillon complex. Often mistakenly referred to as a single corner, Eau Rouge and Raidillon are actually two distinct corners. Eau Rouge ends just before the car begins its uphill climb, while Raidillon starts as the track curves right and elevation increases sharply.

This section climbs approximately 40 meters, equivalent to a 10-story building, with a maximum gradient of 15%, making it one of the most physically demanding and impressive parts of the track. The complexity and history of Eau Rouge-Raidillon add to Spa’s legendary status in Formula 1.

Remembering Anthoine Hubert: A Tribute Run

Towards the end of the Belgian GP weekend, a touching tribute took place. A couple of hundred people, including F1 and F2 drivers, participated in a run up to the top of Raidillon to honor Anthoine Hubert, who tragically lost his life in an F2 race in 2019. This moment of remembrance highlighted the close-knit nature of the racing community and the shared respect for those lost in pursuit of the sport.

Nico Hulkenberg’s First Podium: Reflections and Momentum

Nico Hulkenberg’s breakthrough moment came at the British Grand Prix, where he secured his first-ever F1 podium. Reflecting on the experience, Hulkenberg said the most memorable part was the hours following the podium finish, a time filled with celebration and reflection.

Jonathan Wheatley, a key figure in Hulkenberg’s team, described the celebrations as brief but meaningful, with the team quickly returning to work to maintain momentum. The sense of belief and renewed confidence within the team bodes well for their performance moving forward.

Les Bains de Spa: A New Landmark in Spa-Francorchamps

On a lighter note, Spa has welcomed a stunning new hotel: Les Bains de Spa. Although under construction for nearly a decade, this architectural marvel is ready to impress visitors with its design and amenities. It stands as a testament to the region’s commitment to enhancing the race weekend experience for fans and teams alike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Max Verstappen definitely staying at Red Bull for 2026?

While nothing is officially confirmed, all signs point to Verstappen remaining with Red Bull for the 2026 season. The team is actively encouraging him to stay and help develop next year’s car, despite a challenging current season.

What role will Laurent Mekies play at Red Bull?

Laurent Mekies has recently taken over as the new Red Bull team principal. His role will be critical in steering the team through this transitional period and building a competitive package for the future. Mekies is reportedly very excited about his new position.

Are rumors about Verstappen moving to Mercedes true?

Toto Wolff has publicly stated that Mercedes is focused on their current drivers, Hamilton and Russell, making a Verstappen move unlikely at this time.

What challenges is Ferrari currently facing?

Ferrari is undergoing internal struggles with many parts of their large organization not functioning optimally. Lewis Hamilton has taken on a leadership role in challenging the team to improve performance.

Why did George Russell lose the Belgian GP last year?

Russell’s car was underweight post-race due to the absence of a cool-down lap at Spa, which limited his ability to pick up extra weight from rubber debris on the track, ultimately costing him the victory.

What is special about the Eau Rouge and Raidillon corners?

Eau Rouge and Raidillon are two distinct but visually connected corners at Spa-Francorchamps that feature a steep uphill climb with a 15% gradient, making it one of the most challenging sections in Formula 1.

How did Nico Hulkenberg celebrate his first F1 podium?

Hulkenberg described the hours following his podium as the most memorable. The team had a brief celebration before quickly returning to work to maintain momentum.

Conclusion

The 2025 Belgian GP offered a wealth of insights into the shifting dynamics within Formula 1’s top teams. Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull remains firmly on the table, with the team’s new leadership and internal encouragement pointing toward his continued presence. While rumors of moves to Mercedes or Aston Martin persist, official statements and Verstappen’s own comments suggest stability for now.

Meanwhile, Ferrari faces tough challenges, with Lewis Hamilton stepping up to push for improvement. George Russell’s past experiences at Spa highlight the fine margins that influence race outcomes, and the paddock buzz—from karting challenges to fashion statements—reminds us of the vibrant personalities that make F1 so captivating.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Red Bull’s ability to bounce back, the strategic moves of rival teams, and the evolving stories of drivers both on and off the track. Spa-Francorchamps, with its iconic corners and rich history, once again proved to be a fitting stage for these unfolding dramas.