Red Bull’s start to the 2025 season has been mixed, with Max Verstappen experiencing both success and struggle. While the Dutchman claimed a convincing victory at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, he finished only sixth in Bahrain after a challenging weekend where the RB21 showed clear performance issues.

The Bahrain Grand Prix exposed some of the car’s biggest weaknesses, especially in slower-speed corners where it lacked grip. Red Bull also suffered from a wiring loom issue that disrupted the pit stop light system, further complicating the race.

The team’s struggles have brought increased scrutiny, especially with the RB21 being described as having a very narrow setup window that makes it difficult to consistently extract pace.

Following the disappointing result in Sakhir, Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen was seen in a tense conversation with Helmut Marko in the Red Bull garage. That moment sparked a wave of speculation about Verstappen’s future, especially after Marko admitted to Sky Germany that there was “great concern” the reigning champion could leave the team before the end of his contract in 2028.

In response, Verstappen moved to shut down the rumours, insisting his full focus remains on helping Red Bull improve the car.

"I don't know [about the rumours] – I just keep working, trying to improve the car," he said, quoted by RacingNews365.

"Naturally, Bahrain wasn't a great weekend for us and I think we were all pretty disappointed. But we keep working, we keep trying new ideas to improve the car.”

He added: "Honestly a lot of people are talking about it, except me. I just want to focus on my car, work with the people in the team – that's the only thing I'm thinking about in Formula 1. I'm very relaxed."

 

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Verstappen also stressed that his frustrations were purely performance-related and not connected to any internal issues within the team. "I’m happy at Red Bull," he said. "I’m just not very happy with our car right now – but that’s the same for everyone in the team. We’re all pushing to get back to where we want to be."

Regarding the garage exchange between Vermeulen and Marko, Verstappen explained it was a normal part of a passionate and ambitious team. "We care about the results, we care about each other. It’s normal to have honest conversations when things don’t go well."

Looking ahead, Verstappen remains calm and focused. "I’m taking it race by race. Hopefully we can improve and get back on top. There’s still a long season ahead."

Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso responded to rumours that Verstappen could join Aston Martin in the future by saying, "I don’t think so – I have a contract for next year," before joking that such rumours only highlight how strong the Aston Martin project is becoming.

For now, despite the noise and speculation, Verstappen remains with Red Bull and is focused on fixing the car, not finding a new home.