Red Bull arrive in Saudi Arabia as Verstappen future discussed

Four-time World Champion unhappy with RB21 car

Max Verstappen insisted he was happy at Red Bull, but less happy with his RB21 car at a press conference in Saudi Arabia ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix.

The Dutch driver’s comments came after Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko called the team’s performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix “very alarming”, warning that the team’s continuing troubles could lead to a departure for Verstappen. The 27 year old finished sixth at last weekend’s race and has a performance related exit clause in his Red Bull contract, set to expire in 2028. Verstappen is aiming to win a fifth World Driver’s Championship, but finds himself third in this year’s standings behind McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

A crisis meeting between senior figures at the team was held after the race, including Marko and team principal Christian Horner. There have been suggestions that Red Bull will work ‘aggressively’ to make the RB21 competitive throughout the season, and shift focus away from developing the team’s 2026 car.

Speculation has linked Verstappen with a potential move to either Mercedes or Aston Martin in 2026, where new regulations will be introduced.

Yuki Tsunoda re-learns Jeddah Corniche Circuit ahead of second Red Bull race

While Verstappen spoke to the world’s media, his new teammate Yuki Tsunoda got on his bike under the lights at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia, as he prepared for his second race with Red Bull.

The Japanese driver finished ninth in his first race for the team, following an early season switch with Liam Lawson.

If Red Bull is to turn its fortunes around, the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix represents one of the best chances to do it, with the team’s previous outing last year ending in a 1-2 finish.

The 2025 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix takes place at 6 PM UK time on Sunday 20 April.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Red Bull Content Pool