Was this Max Verstappen's last season for Red Bull?

What was looking to be an abrupt 'divorce' between Max Verstappen and Red Bull was just another speedbump on the way to a fourth world title. It's no secret that the Austrian team was plagued by internal conflicts this season, however, it pushed on to become the only team to win four consecutive World Championships in Formula 1 history.

At the start of the season, the Red Bull garage was on the verge of total collapse, as the team was split in an internal 'civil war' that only drew Verstappen further away from the team.

A private investigation found that a former female employee who was allegedly the victim, has been suspended from the team. The great performance of Max Verstappen, earning another Championship title currently masks the team's fragility.

According to Sky Sports, Verstappen's father, Jos, further ignited focus on the internal situation at Red Bull, opening up negotiations for his son's future. He was spotted talking to Mercedes Toto Wolff in Bahrain after the race!

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According to The Independent, if Helmut Marko (Red Bull's long-term motorsport advisor) were to depart the team, a break clause in Verstappen's contract could be triggered, allowing him to leave Red Bull. Verstappen's future with Red Bull seems tied to Helmut Marko.

Max Verstappen is stuck in the middle of a very ugly split. Nevertheless, Max has a great relationship with Helmut, who saw him grow as a 17-year-old debut driver in 2015. His current contract has him tied to the Red Bull team until 2028...

According to Sky Sports, Max Verstappen has expressed that "everyone keeps the peace" moving forward at Red Bull. However, there seem to be too many independent interests at play, which will only jeopardize the team.

According to MailOnline, a series of allegations of a sexual nature relating to Horner invaded the Red Bull paddock. Documents were leaked to the press, underlining Horner's affair with a Red Bull employee.

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Furthermore, MailOnline reported an alleged source within the Red Bull claimed Horners is under scrutiny for his "incredibly controlling behavior."

The Spanish publication Marca reported on the incident, claiming 70 documents were leaked alongside various photos that incriminate Horner.

Naturally, Horner came out to deny the allegations and said: "I completely deny these claims," however it was not enough to prevent a full-blown independent investigation, as also revealed by Sky Sports.

Red Bull Austria, owner of the F1 team, said in an official statement: "After becoming aware of recent allegations, the company initiated an independent investigation. This investigation, which is already underway, is being carried out by an external specialized lawyer."

The allegations were treated seriously by Red Bull chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff. Nevertheless, Horner's lawyers claimed much of the evidence seemed to be fabricated against Horner, to push him out of Red Bull.

Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf described the situation as 'an internal riot at Red Bull Racing'. Nevertheless, despite having an unstable car and a chaotic pitlane, the Dutch driver managed to come out on top.

Nevertheless, Max Verstappen reassured fans by silencing his Red Bull exit rumors. "Every year there are always thoughts going through your head, how long do I still want to do this? I'm not someone to make very drastic decisions. I'm just very happy where I'm at at the moment. I'm very loyal to the team."

According to The Daily Mail, Christian Horner was the victim of an internal fight within the broader Red Bull family. Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz was an outspoken admirer of Horner, but ever since he died in 2022, many believe the Red Bull team principal is now exposed to forces who want him out.

Horner's defenders claim the accusations are smears aimed at unsettling him and his image at the paddock. However, Jos Verstappen believes the Red Bull team runs a risk of being torn apart if Horner stays. "It's going to explode. There will be tension if he remains in the team," shared Jos during an interview for Autosport.

"He acts as the victim when he is the one causing problems," added Jos Verstappen during his interview. This left many Red Bull fans puzzled and wondering, should Horner leave?

The former English driver was appointed team principal back in 2005 and became the youngest team principal at the time. During his debut year, he earned 34 points in the championship, which was a huge improvement on the 9 points they scored the previous year.

Now with Max Vesterappen claiming his fourth World Champions ship, it's safe to say it is now 'water under the bridge' and the Austrian racing team can focus on another winning project for 2025/26.

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