As rumors about Max Verstappen’s future continue to fuel the paddock, David Coulthard believes that a departure of the four-time world champion is very unlikely.
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For several weeks, speculation has been growing regarding Max Verstappen’s future. Between his repeated criticisms of the new engine regulations and the difficulties faced by Red Bull at the start of this season, some observers are already imagining the Dutchman joining Mercedes or Ferrari in the coming years.
But for David Coulthard, this theory doesn’t really hold up. According to the former Red Bull driver, Verstappen currently enjoys a freedom that no other team could offer him.
In the Up To Speed podcast, Coulthard explained: “While we were talking about this, it reinforced in my mind one very clear thing about Max and his future.”
The Scot especially believes that Verstappen’s many activities outside of F1 perfectly demonstrate why he will stay at Red Bull. In recent months, the 28-year-old driver has made numerous appearances in GT racing, notably at the Nürburgring, while continuing his involvement in sim racing.
For Coulthard, no other major team would tolerate this kind of parallel program.
“There is no other Formula 1 team that would allow him to be Max. McLaren couldn’t do it, Ferrari couldn’t do it, Mercedes couldn’t do it, even if he was driving a Mercedes.”
The Red Bull spirit still present
David Coulthard knows the Red Bull DNA particularly well since he ended his driving career with the Austrian team before becoming its ambassador. According to him, this particular philosophy goes back directly to the historic founder Dietrich Mateschitz.
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The former Grand Prix winner shared a revealing anecdote from his arrival in the team.
“I remember when I met Dietrich Mateschitz before signing, I asked him: ‘What do you expect from me?’ And he answered: ‘Be yourself.’”
For Coulthard, Verstappen perfectly represents this mindset today. Red Bull allows him to keep his identity, his passions, and his way of living motorsport, which further strengthens the bond between the driver and his team.
“Max is simply himself. That’s why I’m going to stop the speculation: today, Max will stay at Red Bull for the rest of his career.”
A relationship unique in Formula 1
In a modern Formula 1 where drivers are increasingly supervised and protected by their teams, Verstappen’s case is indeed very special. His commitment to the Nürburgring 24 Hours and his endurance activities would probably have been refused elsewhere.
Red Bull, on the contrary, seems to have understood that allowing Verstappen to explore other disciplines also contributes to his personal balance and motivation in F1.
Even if questions about future engine regulations persist, this privileged relationship could ultimately weigh much more than any financial or sporting offer from a rival team.
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