Max Verstappen doesn’t see himself as part of Red Bull’s ‘fabric’ like Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

Follow us on Google Discover

Max Verstappen reportedly does not see himself as part of Red Bull’s fabric like Lewis Hamilton did at Mercedes.

Verstappen, 28, has spent his entire Formula 1 career with the Red Bull group, having raced for Toro Rosso before being promoted to Red Bull Racing in 2016. 

Since then, the Dutchman has won four world titles and broken multiple F1 records. However, in recent weeks, there have been concerns over Verstappen’s long-term future in the sport. 

Following the Japanese Grand Prix, it was claimed that Verstappen could walk away from F1 at the end of the 2026 season.

Who was the greater driver, Niki Lauda or Michael Schumacher?

Two icons! Two eras! Only one can take the crown…

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Max Verstappen doesn’t see himself as part of Red Bull’s ‘fabric’

Speaking recently on the Motor Sport F1 Show, F1 journalist Mark Hughes claimed that Verstappen does not see himself as part of Red Bull’s fabric like Hamilton did at Mercedes and Michael Schumacher at Ferrari. 

Hughes also suggested that Verstappen did not stay this long with Red Bull solely because of ‘loyalty’ but because of the team’s performance. 

He said: “Even though he has been joined at the hip with Red Bull forever, he still doesn’t see himself as part of the fabric of the team in a way, say, Michael Schumacher at Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.

“This is initially the team that could bring him straight to F1, and Mercedes couldn’t; they were planning to give him a season in F2 and a season with a lesser team.

“Red Bull gave him the route to get him straight to F1, so he had some loyalty to them, but I think he and his team have always been aware of his own market value and where his best long-term opportunities lay.”

Hughes continued: “It’s only now that he has reasons to be thinking, I’m not enjoying this, I don’t like the cars, this car is not competitive, I want to do other stuff.

“I don’t think he stayed there this long through loyalty, but because they have been the best team.”

READ MORE: Max Verstappen’s attitude in F1 driver meeting shows how he really feels about staying in the sport

Jos Verstappen on Max Verstappen’s F1 future amid retirement rumours

Amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s future, the Dutchman’s father, Jos, has spoken out on the situation.

Jos stated that the decision will ultimately be made by Verstappen himself, but believes his son will continue.

He told Racexpress: “Things have changed since then, especially after four championships, you have achieved a lot together. That last part is up to Max, but I think he’s going to continue.”