Verstappen is not the 'de facto leader' at Red Bull.

      "His influence is quite significant."

      Max Verstappen's increasing authority at Red Bull does not equate to him being a "de facto team boss," according to Dutch journalist Erik van Haren. During his appearance on The Inside Track podcast, the De Telegraaf reporter, who has strong connections to Verstappen's camp, commented on the assertions that the four-time world champion has gained remarkable influence since Christian Horner and Laurent Mekies took charge. "His influence is quite significant," Van Haren acknowledged. "However, I wouldn't label him as the team principal. I hope that's not the case - that wouldn't be a healthy scenario."

      Both Dr. Helmut Marko and new team leader Mekies have acknowledged Verstappen’s technical insights and leadership as vital to Red Bull’s resurgence following Horner's exit earlier this year. Nonetheless, Van Haren remarked that the situation is still typical for a driver of Verstappen’s caliber. "Everyone in the team recognizes his contributions, both on the competitive side and on the marketing front," he shared. "Sales of merchandise - a significant portion of that is due to Verstappen. With all due respect, it’s not often the result of the second driver. Certainly, Checo Perez has major fan events in Mexico and Yuki has his following in Japan, but Verstappen is the one who secures victories for them - frequently without having the fastest car."

      He further explained that Verstappen’s achievements naturally grant him substantial influence within the team. "If you are part of a top team for ten years, you tend to have a considerable voice in many matters," Van Haren pointed out. "He possesses both the technical expertise and background, and it would be foolish for a team not to leverage that."