Max Verstappen won’t be held responsible if Red Bull fails in F1 2025, his father claims in shock

As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches, Red Bull Racing finds itself under immense pressure. The team has dominated in recent years, largely thanks to the extraordinary performances of Max Verstappen. However, as the sport evolves, so do the challenges. New regulations, stronger competitors, and shifting dynamics within the team have raised concerns about whether Red Bull can maintain its supremacy.

In a shocking statement, Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, has declared that his son will not be responsible if Red Bull fails in the upcoming season. This claim has sparked intense debate among fans, analysts, and even within the F1 paddock. It raises questions about the internal struggles at Red Bull, the level of accountability within the team, and whether cracks are beginning to form in their seemingly unshakable foundation.

Red Bull’s Recent Dominance and the Pressure of 2025

Since Max Verstappen’s first championship victory, Red Bull has been at the center of Formula 1’s competitive landscape. Under the guidance of team principal Christian Horner and technical mastermind Adrian Newey, the team has built some of the most dominant cars in modern F1 history. Verstappen’s skill, aggressive driving style, and ability to extract maximum performance from his car have made him an unstoppable force on the track.

However, as 2025 looms, the situation is different. Other teams, particularly Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren, have made significant strides in development. With the FIA implementing new regulations aimed at balancing competition, Red Bull’s advantage is no longer guaranteed. The pressure to stay on top has never been greater, and with that pressure comes scrutiny—especially on Verstappen, who is expected to deliver results no matter the circumstances.

Jos Verstappen’s Explosive Statement

Jos Verstappen’s words have sent shockwaves through the F1 world. The former F1 driver and father of Max Verstappen is known for his outspoken nature and unwavering support for his son. But his latest remarks go beyond mere encouragement—they place the responsibility for potential failure squarely on Red Bull, not Max.

In an interview, Jos stated that if Red Bull fails to maintain its dominance in 2025, it will not be because of his son. He emphasized that Max has consistently delivered exceptional performances, often outperforming the capabilities of his car. According to Jos, if Red Bull finds itself struggling, the blame should be directed toward the team’s management, engineers, and strategic decisions rather than Max himself.

This statement raises many questions: Is there internal tension between the Verstappen camp and Red Bull? Does Jos believe that the team is not fully supporting his son? And most importantly, is this a sign that Max Verstappen’s future with Red Bull might not be as secure as many assume?

Is Red Bull’s Future at Risk?

Red Bull has built a reputation for excellence, but no team stays at the top forever. The history of F1 has shown that even the most dominant teams eventually face decline. Ferrari ruled the early 2000s with Michael Schumacher, only to struggle for years after. Mercedes dominated the turbo-hybrid era, but they too have found it difficult to maintain their grip. Could Red Bull be the next team to suffer a decline?

Several factors could contribute to Red Bull’s potential struggles in 2025. The FIA’s rule changes could limit their aerodynamic advantages. Their rivals are working tirelessly to close the gap, and the loss of key personnel, such as Adrian Newey if he decides to step back, could leave a void that is difficult to fill.

If Red Bull does falter, Jos Verstappen’s comments suggest that he does not want his son to bear the brunt of the blame. But in a sport like F1, where drivers and teams are inseparably linked, is it realistic to absolve Verstappen of responsibility?

Team vs. Driver: Who Takes the Blame?

Formula 1 is a team sport, but drivers often become the face of both success and failure. When a team wins, the driver gets the glory. But when things go wrong, the criticism often falls on the driver as well.

Jos Verstappen’s assertion that Red Bull—not Max—should be held accountable contradicts how the sport traditionally works. If Red Bull fails, Max will inevitably face criticism, just as any other top driver would. Even legends like Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have faced scrutiny when their teams underperformed.

At the same time, Jos’s comments highlight an ongoing debate in F1. How much of a team’s performance is truly dependent on the driver, and how much is the result of engineering and strategy? Max Verstappen is undoubtedly one of the most talented drivers of his generation, but even the best drivers need a competitive car to win championships. If Red Bull provides him with a machine that is no longer capable of winning, should he still be held responsible for not securing victories?

Could Max Verstappen Leave Red Bull?

One of the most intriguing questions arising from Jos Verstappen’s comments is whether Max’s future at Red Bull is as solid as it seems. While he has a long-term contract with the team, F1 is a world where unexpected moves can happen.

If Red Bull struggles in 2025, could Verstappen consider leaving? Mercedes and Ferrari would undoubtedly be interested in securing his services, especially as both teams look for drivers who can bring them back to championship-winning form.

For now, Verstappen has shown unwavering loyalty to Red Bull. He has spoken highly of the team’s efforts and continues to believe in their ability to provide him with a competitive car. However, history has shown that top drivers are not afraid to jump ship if they feel their championship prospects are at risk. Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, and Sebastian Vettel have all made career-defining moves to chase titles. If Red Bull’s performance declines significantly, Verstappen may find himself in a similar situation.

How Red Bull Must Respond

Jos Verstappen’s statement puts additional pressure on Red Bull, whether intentional or not. If the team struggles in 2025, the criticism will now come from both external sources and from within Verstappen’s own camp.

Red Bull’s management will need to address these concerns quickly. They must ensure that their car development remains at the highest level, that their strategic decisions are flawless, and that they continue to provide Verstappen with the support he needs.

At the same time, they must manage internal dynamics carefully. The last thing Red Bull wants is a rift between Verstappen and the team, especially after the controversies surrounding team orders and Sergio Perez in past seasons. Keeping Verstappen happy and motivated will be crucial to their continued success.

Conclusion: The Battle Ahead

Jos Verstappen’s statement that Max will not be responsible for Red Bull’s failures in 2025 has set off a storm in the F1 world. While his comments may stem from a father’s desire to protect his son, they also highlight deeper concerns about Red Bull’s future.

The 2025 season will be a defining moment for both the team and Verstappen. If Red Bull remains dominant, this controversy will fade away. But if they struggle, the pressure will intensify, and questions about Verstappen’s future could become even more pressing.

As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Red Bull to see if they can maintain their winning ways. And if they don’t, will Max Verstappen truly be free from responsibility? Or will the weight of expectations—and Jos Verstappen’s words—come back to haunt him?