Pressure Mounts at Red Bull: “Otherwise Verstappen Will Leave”

Pressure is building rapidly at Red Bull Racing as the team approaches the crucial 2026 regulation reset. According to Formula 1 analyst Peter Windsor, everything hinges on whether Red Bull can deliver a genuinely competitive car under the new rules. If they fail, Windsor believes Max Verstappen may seriously consider a move elsewhere, with Aston Martin already positioned as a potential destination.

While Verstappen remains publicly calm, Windsor argues that Red Bull’s margin for error is shrinking fast.

More about Red Bull Racing

Hadjar Explains Why Red Bull Is His Dream Team

Jan 7

Coulthard Puts Senna Just Ahead of Verstappen in All-Time Ranking

Jan 7

A Calm Verstappen, but No Guarantees

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Windsor explained that Verstappen himself is unlikely to panic. “Max is not the kind of driver who reacts emotionally,” he said.

However, that does not mean loyalty is unconditional. “If the car is not good enough, then he will leave.”

According to Windsor, Verstappen’s patience is linked directly to performance. “As long as Red Bull deliver, there is no issue.”

2026 as the Defining Moment

Windsor emphasised that the 2026 regulation change represents a clean break. New power units, different aerodynamics and a revised competitive order will reshape the grid.

“This is where Red Bull must prove they are still at the top of their game,” Windsor said.

If Red Bull misjudge the new regulations, recovery will be difficult. “Under the cost cap, you cannot fix big mistakes quickly.”

Aston Martin Waiting in the Wings

Windsor pointed to Aston Martin as the most logical alternative if Verstappen does decide to move. The presence of Adrian Newey, combined with heavy investment and long-term ambition, makes the team attractive.

“Aston Martin have everything in place,” Windsor said. “Facilities, funding and a clear plan.”

He believes Verstappen would be tempted by a project built around him. “That kind of environment suits Max.”

Red Bull’s Internal Challenge

Red Bull are not starting from zero. The team still has strong leadership, a proven culture and recent championship success. However, Windsor believes the loss of key figures has increased risk.

“You can’t pretend losing people like Newey doesn’t matter,” he said.

Continuity, according to Windsor, will be tested more than ever. “The question is whether Red Bull can replace brilliance with structure.”

Verstappen Holds the Leverage

One of the most significant factors is Verstappen’s contractual position. Performance-related clauses give him freedom if competitiveness drops.

“That changes the power balance completely,” Windsor noted.

Red Bull know this. “They understand what is at stake.”

No Immediate Drama, But Real Stakes

Windsor was careful not to frame the situation as a crisis. “This is not chaos. It’s pressure.”

He described it as a natural consequence of dominance. “When you’ve been on top for so long, expectations are enormous.”

For now, Verstappen remains focused on racing. But as 2026 approaches, Red Bull face a clear reality. Deliver a winning car, or risk losing the driver around whom their modern era has been built. The countdown, Windsor suggests, has already begun.