Red Bull co-owner states that the team 'must' retain Verstappen.

      "Max is vital to the Red Bull concept."

      Max Verstappen has successfully garnered support from a significant and powerful figure at the upper echelons of Red Bull. Following the passing of Red Bull co-founder and prominent figure Dietrich Mateschitz in late 2022, the 49 percent Austrian ownership of the energy drink brand is now in the possession of his son, Mark.

      Mateschitz junior, aged 33, attended Imola for Red Bull Racing’s 400th Grand Prix, which saw the four-time world champion Verstappen clinch victory from pole position in spectacular fashion after a crucial car update. "Max drove exceptionally and maintained his composure," he expressed to De Telegraaf newspaper. "My father would have been proud."

      Impressing Mateschitz publicly might be critical for Verstappen’s future, especially as he is receiving lucrative offers from rival teams amid impending performance exit clauses for the summer break. With Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson, and now Yuki Tsunoda recently showing they cannot match Verstappen’s speed, Mateschitz acknowledges that retaining the Dutch driver is essential for Red Bull.

      "We’ve known for a long time that we have to keep him," he stated to Bild newspaper. "Max is vital to the Red Bull concept." Nonetheless, despite his significant influence within the company and his flourishing financial situation, Mateschitz clarified that he does not interfere in the management of the F1 team. "I provide friendly advice," he chuckled.