Gerhard Berger’s bold claims raise questions about Max Verstappen’s Red Bull future, sparking speculation and a swift response from Christian Horner.
2025 Could Be Max Verstappen’s Final Year at Red Bull, Says Former F1 Driver Gerhard Berger
According to Berger, the very first athlete sponsored by the energy drink brand, Verstappen’s tenure at Red Bull may be nearing its end.
Amid speculation that Ferrari will unveil a darker red livery this season, there are also rumors that Red Bull could finally take a bold step away from its usual matte dark blue look.
These rumors coincide with the announcement that Verstappen will wear clothing from Red Bull’s fashion brand, AlphaTauri, throughout the season.
The four-time world champion has also openly advocated for a livery change for his F1 car.
“We’ve had so many matte blue cars—sometimes I think it’s good to spice things up a little,” he said this winter.
Verstappen is likely to get his way, given the current situation within the team. Red Bull has been mired in internal conflict in 2024, and verified reports now indicate power and reliability issues for the Red Bull Powertrains Ford engine set for 2026.
Rumors of a $1 Billion Offer for Verstappen from Aston Martin, Where Adrian Newey Has Landed for 2025 and Beyond
Adding to the speculation, there are reports of a $1 billion offer on the table for Verstappen from Aston Martin, where Adrian Newey has ultimately landed for 2025 and beyond.
Gerhard Berger, the first athlete ever backed by Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 1984, watched in dismay as the F1 team unraveled last year.
“It’s well known that it takes much longer to build something than to dismantle it,” the Austrian told Auto Motor und Sport.
“But no one would have thought that just six months after Didi Mateschitz’s death, everything would fall apart.”
Berger, 65, admits that last year’s turmoil surrounding Christian Horner may have signaled “the beginning of the end.”
“Formula 1 is so complex and competitive that you can only succeed if everyone in the team comes together, if everyone is aligned, if communication flows well between them.”
“The Red Bull brand has always exuded happiness and a cool image. Suddenly, everything changed.”
He said this became especially evident when Red Bull took so long to conclude that Sergio Perez needed to be dropped.
“It Was Clear He Was No Longer Performing”: Berger’s Comments Send Shockwaves Through Red Bull, Horner Responds
“It was clear he was no longer performing. No one in the professional world understood why he was still being given a contract. There may have been reasons, such as marketing constraints or contractual obligations. But as things failed to improve, he was given three more races, then another two, and a decision was avoided. I couldn’t see a clear direction. In Mateschitz’s era, Red Bull was always known for its clarity.”
Berger says Red Bull’s ability to recover from its downfall will be key in determining whether Verstappen triggers an exit clause.
“It will be fascinating to see whether Red Bull can regain its former strength or if Verstappen continues to struggle to win. He will then have to ask himself whether he is still in the right team or if he should leave, with Mercedes and Aston Martin both showing strong interest in him.”
Berger’s remarks have already caused a stir within Red Bull Racing. Christian Horner was quick to respond, particularly regarding the expected competitiveness challenges for 2025 and 2026. He insists that Verstappen is fully informed and that nothing is being swept under the rug.
“Max Has a Very Open Relationship with the Team”
“Max has a very open relationship with the team. He sees the issues. And of course, you discuss things openly, just like in any partnership.”
“But he has made his position towards the team very clear—he has shown his support.”
“And, of course, these matters will always be discussed behind closed doors. That’s the normal way of doing things.”
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Shockwaves at Red Bull: Could Verstappen Walk Away? Shockwaves at Red Bull: Could Verstappen Walk Away? Shockwaves at Red Bull: Could Verstappen Walk Away?
