Max Verstappen dismisses claims of ‘bluff’ over Red Bull exit threat
Though Max Verstappen won his fourth drivers' title with Red Bull, he claimed that his warnings of leaving the team were never a bluff.
Follow Us
Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
The 2024 season was full of rollercoasters for Red Bull. Before the campaign began, allegations were thrown toward team principal Christian Horner and internal feuds had started developing. Helmut Marko was even rumored to be axed by the Austrian giant. Subsequently, Max Verstappen entered the scene and made a strong case that if Marko was sacked, he would leave the team.
Though people reckoned this statement to be a bluff as Red Bull had been dominating the sport back then, Max Verstappen asserted that he was stating the truth and was not bluffing around. Moreover, such statements by the Dutchman would come as a shocker for the Austrian outfit.
Verstappen is the star driver of the team. He has been largely accredited for Red Bull’s success this year. He amassed almost thrice the number of points that his teammate was able to score, revealing the gravity of the 27-year-old’s importance.
However, earlier in the year, chaos had enveloped the team. This led to Christian Horner and Helmut Marko appearing in opposing camps. But, Verstappen’s role in saving the Austrian was crucial as Red Bull could not afford to lose the former in the entire saga.
I think I made it clear what I thought about it. I also think it was important that I said that then. And I meant it. It wasn’t a bluff. And they know that within the team. Did I have doubts about my future at Red Bull at that stage? Well, the feeling wasn’t quite 100 percent. There was a lot going on. But, on the other hand, I don’t think that if something goes wrong, you can just say: I’m leaving. That’s not how I am.
Max Verstappen said (via De Telegraaf)
Anyhow, all the shenanigans have been resolved at the Milton Keynes-based outfit. Red Bull is committed to keeping Verstappen happy and achieving success with their star driver for the coming years.
Max Verstappen asserts his faith in Red Bull
However, one major task to ensure that the 27-year-old would stay at Red Bull is to give him a championship-winning car. A task, that the Austrian giant failed at for the majority of the 2024 F1 season.
Despite winning his fourth driver’s title, Verstappen is as motivated as ever. The reigning champion would have to fend off various title challengers next year as McLaren is slated to start the season as the favorite. However, the four-time champion has complete faith in the Red Bull personnel and reckons the team will resolve all the issues that troubled him during the 2024 season.
I trust that the team can fix the balance problems of last season. And certain things that we could not change last year will be changed for next year. We know that it has to be better over the kerbs, bumps and in the slow corners. Those are generally our weak points. If we are still beaten, it will be on the basis of pure speed.
Max Verstappen said (via De Telegraaf)
On the other hand, McLaren would not let Verstappen get away with another title easily. Lando Norris is expected to get a championship-worthy and incorporate the lessons he learned throughout 2024, to have a serious go at his maiden title in 2025.
Stay Updated!
Geetansh Pasricha
(742 Articles Published)