Formula 1 is a world where speed is not only measured on the track, but also in the headlines that shake fans. In the last hours, news has rough the foundations of the paddock: Max Verstappen, the four times world champion, has put Red Bull at a crossroads with an ultimatum that nobody expected. According to sources close to the team, Verstappen would have demanded the signing of the young Argentine talent Franco Colapinto and the departure of Japanese Yuki Tsunoda as conditions to stay in the team next season. The Red Bull CEO response, Laurent Mekies, was swift, and with just ten words he left the Dutchless without words, unleashing a whirlwind of speculation. What is happening in Red Bull? Is this the beginning of a new era or the end of a dynasty?

Formula 1’s 2025 season is barely heating engines, but the drama is already at full speed. Max Verstappen, the pilot who has dominated the queen category of motor racing with an iron hand, seems to be willing to play a risky letter. According to rumors that have run as a gunpowder in social networks and specialized media, the Dutch would have communicated to the directors of Red Bull his desire to see Franco Colapinto, the young promise that has surprised in the lower categories, occupying a seat in the main team. But the demand does not end there: Verstappen would also have asked for the departure of Yuki Tsunoda, the Japanese pilot who has been a key piece in the Red Bull project since his debut in 2021.

The reason behind this ultimatum is not entirely clear, but analysts point to several factors. Verstappen, known for its direct character and its relentless approach, could be looking for a teammate who complements his leadership style inside Red Bull. Colapinto, 22, has shown an exceptional talent in Formula 2, where he has reaped victories and podiums that have put him on the radar of the big teams. His aggressive style and charisma have conquered fans, especially in Latin America, where he is already considered as a rising idol. On the other hand, Tsunoda, although it has demonstrated speed and consistency, has failed to consolidate as a constant threat on the grill, which could have generated doubts about its role in the team.

Red Bull tension intensified when Laurent Mekies, the CEO of the team, responded to the ultimatum of Verstappen with a statement that has left everyone speechless: “Max is our leader, but the decisions are the team.” These ten words, pronounced with a calm that contrasts with the storm they unleashed, have generated endless interpretations. Is Red Bull ready to risk losing his brightest star? Or is this a strategy to keep Verstappen online while evaluating their options? The only clear thing is that the relationship between the pilot and the team’s dome is at a critical point.

The impact of this ultimatum is not limited to the walls of the Red Bull factory in Milton Keynes. In social networks, fans have taken sides, creating a division between those who support the audacity of Verstappen and those who believe that their demand is an excess of power. On Twitter, a user commented: “If Max leaves, Red Bull collapses. But asking Yuki’s head is too much.” Another, from Argentina, expressed his enthusiasm: “Collapint in Red Bull would be a dream! Come on, Franco!” Polarization is evident, and the press has not taken to feed the debate, with headlines ranging from the admiration for the courage of Verstappen to criticism for what some call “a diva whim.”

Franco Colapinto, meanwhile, has not made official statements on the subject, but his name is on everyone’s lips. The Argentine, who debuted in Formula 2 with just 20 years, has demonstrated a maturity and speed that have made him a natural candidate to make the leap to formula 1. His possible arrival at Red Bull would not only be a milestone for his career, but also for Latin American motoring, which has not had such a strong presence in the category since the days of Juan Pablo Montoya. The question is whether Red Bull will be willing to bet on a young pilot and without experience in the highest category, especially under the pressure of an ultimatum such as Verstappen.

Yuki Tsunoda, on the other hand, faces a complicated moment. The Japanese has been a figure loved by fans thanks to his charism and his aggressive driving style, but his performance has been inconsistent compared to Verstappen. Although he has added important points for the team in recent seasons, his lack of podiums and his tendency to make mistakes at key moments have generated criticism. The possibility of being sacrificed to please Verstappen has turned on the alarms among their followers, who have flooded the networks with messages using the hashtag #standwithyuki.

The context of this scandal cannot be ignored. Red Bull has dominated Formula 1 in recent years, thanks in large part to the talent of Verstappen and the strategic genius of Adrian Newey, who recently announced his exit from the team. The loss of Newey had already generated uncertainty about the future of Red Bull, and now the ultimatum of Verstappen adds more firewood to the fire. If the Dutch fulfilled his threat and left the team, the consequences would be catastrophic. Teams like Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari would be happy to receive a pilot from his caliber, but Verstappen’s departure could also mark the end of a golden era for Red Bull.

Mekies’ response, although brief, suggests that Red Bull is not willing to give up completely to his star’s demands. The team has invested years in building a solid structure, and Verstappen’s exit, although painful, would not be the end of the world. With pilots such as Sergio Pérez, who has recently renewed, and the possibility of promoting talents of his academy, Red Bull has options. However, losing Verstappen would be a difficult image coup to overcome, especially at a time when competition in Formula 1 is more fierce than ever.

The future of this soap opera is far from resolving. On the one hand, Verstappen could be using its ultimatum as a tactic to consolidate its power within the team, making sure that their preferences are heard. On the other, Red Bull could opt for a more pragmatic approach, evaluating whether Colapinto is really the future and if Tsunoda deserves one more opportunity. What is clear is that Formula 1 is not only a speed sport, but also of strategies, egos and negotiations behind the scene.

While fans expect anxious for more details, the paddock prepares for a Grand Prix that promises to be as exciting outside the track as inside. Will Red Bull beaten before Verstappen’s demands? Will we see Colapint in an RB22 next year? Or will it be Tsunoda who has the last word? The only certainty is that this story has all the ingredients to keep us attached to the screen. Formula 1, once again, demonstrates that its true show does not always run 300 kilometers per hour.