Despite the many departures that have marked Red Bull in recent months, Max Verstappen refuses to talk about rebuilding and defends the strength of his team.
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For more than a year, Red Bull has been going through a period of profound changes. The departures of several historical figures from the team, the change in leadership with the arrival of Laurent Mekies, and less dominant competitiveness have fueled a widely held idea in the paddock: that of a team in full reconstruction.
Max Verstappen, however, does not share this analysis at all. In an exclusive interview, the four-time world champion assures that Red Bull remains a solid structure and that the ongoing changes are more of an adjustment than a complete overhaul.
“There is nothing to rebuild”
Over the past few months, Red Bull has seen several major personalities leave, including Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley, Will Courtenay, and Gianpiero Lambiase, Verstappen’s historic race engineer, who will join McLaren.
These departures have fueled speculation about a supposed “brain drain” within the Milton Keynes team.
But Verstappen believes this interpretation is greatly exaggerated.
“I wouldn’t talk about rebuilding.”
The Dutchman recalls that Red Bull maintains a particularly solid organization despite these changes.
“There is nothing to rebuild. The team has a very strong structure that continues to function.”
According to him, the departure of a few important members does not call into question the foundations of the team.
“Just because a few people have left doesn’t mean everyone no longer knows what to do. So I don’t consider this a rebuild. It’s simply an adjustment process.”
Departures that attract more attention than elsewhere
Verstappen obviously acknowledges that some losses are significant, notably that of Gianpiero Lambiase, who has been with him since his first race with Red Bull in 2016.
Nevertheless, he believes that personnel movements are part of the normal functioning of Formula 1.
According to him, every team regularly sees engineers or managers leave for the competition, but these changes attract much more attention when they concern Red Bull.
The four-time world champion therefore judges that the media context greatly amplifies this impression of crisis.
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A team still capable of progressing
Despite a more difficult 2026 F1 season than previous ones, Verstappen sees several reasons to be optimistic.
The new engine developed by Red Bull notably exceeded expectations for its first year of use, even though improvements are still needed, especially in energy management and battery deployment.
The RB22 also experienced several balance issues, but the developments introduced throughout the season have allowed the team to progress.
With already four podiums after eleven Grands Prix, Verstappen believes that Red Bull still has the necessary foundations to return to the front.
Motivation intact despite difficulties
Asked about his involvement in a less dominant project than before, Verstappen assures that his motivation remains intact.
The 28-year-old driver recalls that Red Bull represents much more than just a team to him.
“As I have already said, Red Bull is like a second family to me.”
He emphasizes the pleasure he takes in working with the people who make up the team, despite the current challenges.
“I always want the best, and so do they. We do everything we can to get closer to perfection.”
The Dutchman concludes with lucidity by reminding that Formula 1 remains an extremely competitive environment.
“But it’s tough. Formula 1 is a championship where the competition is extremely strong.”
A clear message, as speculation about his future continues to fuel the paddock: for Verstappen, Red Bull is not a team in reconstruction, but a structure that is simply seeking to regain the level of excellence that has made it successful in recent years.
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