The future of Red Bull Racing in Formula 1 is at a crossroads that few could have planned just a few years ago. What was once an unbeatable team, dominating circuits with innovative strategies and a talent like Max Verstappen, today faces a panorama full of uncertainty. Internal controversies, a decline performance and problems with their quarry of young pilots have put the team in a vulnerable position. But what is really happening in Milton Keynes? And, more importantly, how does Red Bull plan to recover its place at the top of Formula 1? The FIA has taken a step forward to help the team with a crucial decision about its future, and what comes next could change the course of the team forever.
For more than a decade, Red Bull has revolved around a constant: Max Verstappen chasing championships. The Dutch, a generational talent, has led the team to the top, accumulating four world titles and 64 victories in large awards. However, the 2025 season has exhibited cracks in the structure of the team. The RB21, the current car, has shown reliability problems and difficulties to optimize the performance of the tires, which has even limited a pilot such as Verstappen. While he continues to fight for podiums, his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, has failed to consolidate himself as a solid support, adding just 10 points in the season. This disparity has left Verstappen as an orchestra man, loading with the weight of a team that no longer dominates as before.
Internal controversies have aggravated the situation. The tensions between the head of the team, Christian Horner, and the advisor Helmut Marko have been a recurring theme since the 2023 scandal, known as “Hornergate.” Although Horner was exonerated after an investigation, the relationship with Marko, a key figure in the development of Verstappen since his days in the Junior program, remains tense. The exit of key personnel, such as the engineer Adrian Newey, and the transition to their own engines in collaboration with Ford by 2026, have added more uncertainty. If Red Bull fails to offer a competitive car, Verstappen could activate a performance clause in his contract, which would allow him to leave before 2028. Teams such as Mercedes and Aston Martin are already on the prowl, ready to take advantage of any false step.
In this context, the FIA has intervened with a decision that could be the first step in the Red Bull recovery plan. The team requested an exception to allow Arvid Lindblad, a promising 17 -year -old pilot who shines in Formula 2, participates in training before reaching the age of majority. This movement recalls Verstappen’s debut in 2014, when Red Bull revolutionized Formula 1 when rising to a minor, which led FIA to modify the age requirements for pilots. The approval of this exception, which will be discussed in the World Motor Sports Council, could give Red Bull a new star in its quarry, just when they need it most.
But Lindblad is not the only hope. Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls pilot, has surprised with solid performance in 2025, adding 21 points and standing out in circuits such as Monaco. His driving style, although different from the Verstappen, positions it as a viable candidate to ascend to the main team if Tsunoda does not improve. However, the story of Red Bull with its young pilots, such as Liam Lawson, Alex Albon or Pierre Gasly, shows that adapting to the demanding RB21 and competing at the Verstappen level is not an easy task. The pressure is immense, and the margin of error, minimum.
The way to recovery will not be simple. The alliance with Ford for 2026 represents a risky bet, since Red Bull will stop depending on the reliable Honda engines. If the new project does not meet expectations, the team could lose not only Verstappen, but also its status as a dominant power. For now, Christian Horner insists on the unit of the team and Verstappen’s commitment, but doubts persist. Can Red Bull overcome this crisis and return to the top? The answer will depend on bold decisions, both on and off the track, and on the capacity of the team to turn uncertainty into a new era of success.
