Max Verstappen's Manager Highlights Red Bull's Major Shift: 'The Politics Are Gone'

Max Verstappen's manager believes significant internal changes, including the departure of Christian Horner, have fueled the driver's dramatic performance surge. This shift has reportedly created a more stable environment, allowing Red Bull to aggressively pursue setup changes and put Verstappen in contention for a fifth F1 championship heading into the Abu Dhabi finale.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's incredible turnaround from a difficult Hungarian Grand Prix to championship contention underscores the critical role of team dynamics and aggressive strategy. This internal 'reset' at Red Bull, by eliminating perceived political distractions, has allowed the team to fully capitalize on Verstappen's talent and the car's potential, transforming their season from a potential write-off into a high-stakes title fight.

The Details:

• Performance Surge: After finishing a disappointing ninth in Hungary, Verstappen has been on the podium in all nine subsequent races, securing five wins, two second-place finishes, and two third-place finishes.
• Aggressive Setup: According to Verstappen's manager, Vermeulen, the team adopted a more aggressive approach to car setup and experimentation after realizing they 'had nothing to lose'. This tactical shift was key to unlocking the car's potential.
• Horner's Departure: The sacking of Christian Horner as team principal in early July, shortly after the British Grand Prix, is cited as a major catalyst. Laurent Mekies, former Racing Bulls team boss, took over the role.
• 'Stable Playground': Vermeulen emphasizes that with Horner out, Red Bull now has "a more stable playground" and that "the politics are gone." This suggests a more focused and less internally turbulent environment.
• Mekies' Role: While Mekies modestly downplays his direct input, Vermeulen credits him as "the bridging factor to challenge everyone," fostering an environment where the team could make the necessary performance steps.
• Car Characteristics: Despite the improvements, the car remains challenging, sometimes described as a "diva," with a very narrow operating window for optimal performance.

What's next:

Verstappen is now just 12 points behind McLaren's Lando Norris heading into the Abu Dhabi season finale. He stands a chance to become only the fourth driver in F1 history to win five titles, joining an elite group including Juan Manuel Fangio, Lewis Hamilton, and Michael Schumacher. The team views the current position as a bonus, with the pressure squarely on McLaren.

• Championship Scenario: If Verstappen wins in Abu Dhabi and Norris finishes fourth or lower, Verstappen will secure the championship.
• Mindset: Vermeulen states, "Whatever happens, we have nothing to lose. Max will give it his all. The pressure is on McLaren, not on us." This reflects a confident, no-regrets approach from the Red Bull camp, ready to seize any opportunity in the season's climax.