The Red Bull Formula One team is facing a period of uncertainty following significant leadership changes and ongoing questions surrounding driver Max Verstappen’s future. The upheaval traces back to internal tensions that emerged after the death of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz in October 2022.

Mateschitz had served as a close supporter and mentor to Christian Horner, the team principal responsible for guiding Red Bull during a highly successful era. In his absence, power struggles intensified within the company. The Austrian faction, including Mateschitz’s heir Mark and managing director Oliver Mintzlaff, moved against Horner despite the support of Thai billionaire Chalerm Yoovidhya, who holds a majority stake in Red Bull and had backed Horner during previous challenges. Horner, who denies claims of coercive behavior against a female employee—allegations dismissed in two internal investigations—ultimately was forced out in mid-2025 after a covert effort to remove him gained momentum.

Horner’s departure was confirmed after the British Grand Prix in Silverstone, marking the end of his 405-race tenure as team principal. He left with a reported £80 million severance package and expressed a desire to return to the sport, ideally in a role with significant ownership or full control of racing operations. He has been linked to potential roles at Ferrari, Alpine, and Aston Martin but is reportedly waiting for the right opportunity rather than re-entering Formula One hastily.

Meanwhile, Verstappen’s position within the sport remains unsettled. Under the leadership of new Red Bull principal Laurent Mekies, the team has experienced difficulties retaining its workforce, and Verstappen has struggled on track. Currently seventh in the drivers’ standings with just one podium from seven races, Verstappen is 60 points adrift of second place and trailing leader Kimi Antonelli of Ferrari. The team’s decline is viewed by some as a consequence of the broader organizational disruptions stemming from Horner’s removal and internal conflicts.

Verstappen’s contract runs through 2028, but questions linger over whether he will fulfill it. Reports suggest he is dissatisfied with the sport’s evolving technical regulations, which incorporate hybrid power units, and that he is contemplating his options carefully. Speculation about a potential move to rivals such as McLaren has surfaced, although a switch to Mercedes appears unlikely as the team is expected to retain George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. Ferrari’s ongoing progress makes it a possible destination should Verstappen seek a competitive alternative.

At the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix practice session, Verstappen finished fourth fastest, behind Antonelli and the McLaren drivers. Meanwhile, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, fresh off a win in Spain, managed only fifth, with Russell sixth. The dynamics of the championship so far highlight the shifting landscape within Formula One as Red Bull contends with internal and competitive challenges ahead.