A stable working environment is generally considered a prerequisite for achieving top performance. However, stability has been far from the norm at Red Bull for the past year and a half. In this context, Max Verstappen‘s title defense last year can retrospectively be considered a minor miracle. The big question, however, is how much longer he will compete for the Austrian team. The internal chaos at Red Bull is certainly pushing him towards the exit.
Red Bull’s decision – although not yet officially confirmed – to sacrifice teammate Liam Lawson after just two races has not sat well with the four-time world champion. The New Zealander disappointed in both the opening race in Australia (DNF) and last Sunday in China (twentieth). Verstappen reportedly advocated internally for the relatively inexperienced Lawson (22) to be given more time. However, from the next race, he will have Yuki Tsunoda as his new teammate.
Red Bull has been a constant source of unrest for a year and a half. Last season was also fraught with turmoil, which had (and continues to have) an impact on the team’s dynamics. Recall the accusations of inappropriate behavior by a staff member against team boss Christian Horner, the internal power struggle behind the scenes, the public feud between Horner and Jos Verstappen, the threatened dismissal of Verstappen’s confidant Helmut Marko, dissatisfied sponsors, and – as a direct or indirect result of all this – the departure of several key figures, such as master designer Adrian Newey, sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, and aero expert Dan Fallows.
A Toxic Work Environment
Red Bull’s difficult start to the season, and particularly Lawson’s, is of course all related to the state of the RB21. The car is known to be difficult to handle, but more importantly: the car is simply too slow. Of course, Lawson performed poorly in the first two races, but with an inferior car and in a toxic work environment, it is incredibly difficult for a rookie to hold his own.
Six months ago, Red Bull was raving about Lawson and his performances in the training team. For this reason, he was preferred over Yuki Tsunoda for the second seat next to Max Verstappen, who was seen as too reckless by Horner and Marko, among others. However, after just two races in 2025, this opinion has been completely revised, and it’s reason enough to prematurely discard Lawson – the latest in a long line.
It’s questionable what the headquarters at Red Bull think of the whole situation. The ruthless dismissal of Lawson is not a pretty sight and brings reputation risks for Red Bull. After all, this is not how you treat employees as a company. In fact, the public chastising of Lawson and the early ‘swap’ with Tsunoda can at least be called improper.
Giving Trust
Of course, Formula 1 is incomparable to normal business in many aspects, but there is also a significant similarity: it’s about people. Lawson could have been given trust and time. Or rather, should have been given. Moreover, the choice for Tsunoda also brings its own risks.
Back to Max Verstappen then: he has an ongoing contract with Red Bull until 2028, but performance clauses offer him an escape route to another team. And it’s becoming increasingly difficult to come up with reasons why Verstappen should stay with Red Bull after this season. He has long been stating that it’s mainly important that peace returns, but that is still far from the case.
The Final Push?
The dynamics within the team are also not what they used to be. In addition, the car is currently not fast enough, and it’s very questionable how this will develop further, as the collaboration with engine supplier Honda ends after this season. The team will rely on its own engine division, Red Bull Powertrains, with the support of Ford, from 2026 when the new engine regulations come into effect. The first sounds about the progress of that project are not promising.
In other words, Max Verstappen will be scratching his head more than ever, wondering if the time is ripe for a new adventure. Perhaps the way the team has treated Liam Lawson is even the decisive push…
