Red Bull driver Max Verstappen made history at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Sunday. Verstappen has become only the sixth Formula One driver to win four world championships. He joins former Red Bull racer Sebastian Vettel as the team’s four-time champion. He finished ahead of Lando Norris to win the championship. He defeated Norris by finishing sixth at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, securing the world title.
However, after winning the fourth title the F1 driver has dropped a bombshell of leaving Red Bull. The Dutch driver’s contract at Red Bull continues until the conclusion of 2028. Despite his long-term deal, there has been much talk surrounding his exit from Red Bull. Verstappen was asked about his future at Red Bull before this year’s Austrian Grand Prix, and the Dutchman did not mince words.
Despite being under contract with Red Bull until the end of the F1 2028 season, Verstappen has been linked with a move away from the team throughout F1 2024 due to the competitive decline of the RB20 car and tensions between his father Jos Verstappen, and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff made no secret of his ambition to sign Verstappen for F1 2025.
Without Verstappen Red Bull is another mediocrity team
However, he settled on teenage wonder Andrea Kimi Antonelli as Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton’s replacement. Since winning his first championship in 2021, Max Verstappen has ruled the Formula One track. His impact on Red Bull’s overall performance has been no less impressive. Verstappen is now 27, and during the last four seasons, he has won 41 Grand Prix races and led Red Bull to three consecutive Constructors’ Championships.
Max Verstappen was in magnificent form last year, winning 19 races. Verstappen broke a 10-race winless streak this season by winning in Brazil three weeks ago after starting 17th. That victory assured Verstappen’s ability to defend his title. He has won eight races this season, which is his fewest since 2020. F1 pundit Robert Doornbas said, “It will be difficult for Christian Horner to keep Max Verstappen onboard.”
