While McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris blazed to P1 and P3 respectively, RedBull had a messy weekend at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Four time World Champion Max Verstappen finished P6 behind, the McLarens, Mercedes’ George Russell and the Ferraris. RedBull struggled with technical issues throughout the weekend in Sakhir and Senior Advisor Helmut Marko has raised concerns about the ‘chaotic’ issues and Verstappen’s future in RedBull.
Post the race, Marko addressed the media and admitted “We have a lot of problems—the problem is balance and grip.” “ The problems with the brakes came up, and then the normal procedure at the pit stop was not working. So, one comes after the other.”
While Verstappen’s struggles continue with the car, despite winning at the Japan GP. Concerns in the RedBull garage over the Dutch driver’s future continue to grow.
“The concern is great, improvements have to come in the near future so that he has a car with which he can win again. We have to create a basis with a car so that he can fight for the world championship.”
Although Verstappen is signed with RedBull till 2028, his contract mentions a performance clause that allows the 27 year old to leave the team when he wishes. If RedBull continue their struggles, Verstappen has multiple options to move ahead to—including a Mercedes, who courted Verstappen quite publicly last season.