The ultimate reward in the form of a world title for Max Verstappen did not materialize on Sunday afternoon in Abu Dhabi, yet Red Bull did achieve another significant victory, according to Raymond Vermeulen, Max Verstappen’s manager. “The belief is back. That’s hugely important for next year,” Vermeulen said.
Red Bull experienced a season of two halves this year. After a difficult start to the season and a sporting decline, a sporting revival came after the summer (and with the departure of team boss Christian Horner), and behind the scenes, the smiles and belief returned among the team personnel. His dominant victory in the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi is a fitting end in that sense.
The positive dynamics within the team are a significant bonus for next season, Vermeulen suggests. In 2026, the new engine regulations will come into effect, and the balance of power on the grid will also shift. Vermeulen: “There’s nothing to say about it now because you have no references. We will only truly have those at the start of the season in Melbourne. What’s important is that as a team, you can make adjustments quickly, that’s where the victory will be if you have to turn the tide with a car. Who can turn things around the fastest to get the performance back? How fast is the back-office in the factory? How quickly can they make parts? That will be crucial. And that’s why a good spirit is mega important.”
‘We want the best material’
The unrest that was present at the start of the season has disappeared, Vermeulen confirms. “We are committed. We have always said that we feel at home here and we are loyal to the group. We have the best driver and we want the best material, they understand that here. Red Bull is of course a performance-driven team. They listen well and pull out all the stops to create the optimal conditions for good results.”
With the positive months behind them and the new leadership at Red Bull Racing, according to Raymond Vermeulen, it is no longer a problem to attract good, talented people to the team. “Formula 1 is always on the move. There are always developments, especially next year, also with an eleventh team joining. Cadillac is aggressively pitching in the job market, they want to make a move. It’s always a bit of the madness of the day that rules, the people who work in the paddock are always a bit flexible. So in that sense, the momentum certainly helps us.”
