Mark Webber said something about Max Verstappen’s Red Bull future that was absolutely spot on at the Japanese Grand Prix

Follow us on Google Discover

Red Bull Racing are becoming more and more heavily reliant on Max Verstappen with each passing race weekend.

The Japanese Grand Prix was the perfect example of the gulf in qualify between Max Verstappen and those around him on the F1 grid.

It’s hard to argue that McLaren haven’t produced the fastest car in the paddock this season, and all the evidence from each of the three practice sessions in Suzuka suggested that it would be a head-to-head battle between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to start on pole position.

However, Verstappen’s complaints about the RB21 were heeded across the race weekend, and after Red Bull did some critical work in the simulator, he suddenly had the smallest chance to defeating his two most likely championship rivals.

That opportunity was all Verstappen needed and he pipped Norris with his final run in Q3 by 12 thousandths of a second.

Overtaking proved to be a problem at Suzuka, but not for Red Bull who clinched their first victory of the season thanks to Verstappen’s brilliance.

However, the fact that Red Bull are still behind the likes of McLaren on the development curve, and with Verstappen’s future a point of discussion, the next few months could be crucial when it comes to the Dutchman’s long-term Formula 1 ambitions.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Mark Webber discusses Max Verstappen’s Red Bull future

Former F1 driver Mark Webber knows all about the internal politics at Red Bull having spent several seasons driving for the team.

It was put to Webber during the Channel 4 coverage of the race in Japan that it would be ‘catastrophic’ if Verstappen were to leave Red Bull, and he replied: “It certainly wouldn’t be positive, mate, no.

“I think the energy Verstappen brings to the factory, the demanding nature of him, which is, I mean, look at his trophy cabinet, he’s got that to lean on, of course, he’s a four-time world champion.

“He expects excellence, so when he’s not in a position to win, or the podiums dry up, or the champagne starts to leave him, which is not any time soon, but if it does, he has choices.

“And for the organisation, he’s carrying that team. I think from the cockpit, he’s such a powerful figure that they would love to keep him, for sure.”

Webber is correct to assert that it’s essential that Red Bull do everything within their power to keep the 27-year-old.

Verstappen didn’t agree with the decision to demote Liam Lawson, questioning whether a driver change was necessary when the car is so hard to drive.

There are plenty of unknowns heading into 2026, and team principal Christian Horner will know that if Red Bull don’t start the next era of F1 on the front foot, the likes of Aston Martin and Mercedes will be courting Verstappen to lead their next title bids.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links

Billy Monger questions Red Bull’s future driver line-up after Yuki Tsunoda’s debut

Pundit and racing driver Billy Monger joined Webber on Channel 4’s coverage of the race at Suzuka to dissect the latest goings on at Red Bull.

Monger was asked about what Red Bull do if Tsunoda doesn’t work out after replacing Lawson, and he answered: “I think they have [dug themselves a hole].

“Red Bull had options at the end of last season, and Yuki was the more experienced between himself and Liam Lawson.

“So, to put Liam in the car, put all that pressure on him and then to replace him so quickly, the only other driver they’ve really got in their roster that they could look to put in that seat is Hadjar, who’s only done two races in Formula 1.

“Again, Red Bull’s roster at the minute, for a team that’s always been known for bringing junior drivers through and searching for talent, it does feel like they’ve limited themselves with the options they’ve currently got and now need to give Yuki until the end of the season.”

Red Bull have backed themselves into a corner with their recent driver decisions.

If Verstappen doesn’t work out, the pathway has failed to produce another world-class talent, and judging by how Tsunoda and Lawson have fared in the RB21, only a truly special driver can handle the cars the team are currently building.