Ex-F1 Driver Declares Max Verstappen the ‘Glue’ Holding Red Bull Together

Red Bull is currently in a period of turmoil. The team has lost some notable key figures in the past couple of years, as this mass exodus has directly contributed to the performance slump. Now, with Christian Horner gone, Milton Keynes could further go down the rabbit hole of performance troubles. Although the Austrian outfit has some stability due to Max Verstappen giving it his all, even he is rumored to exit in the coming season. Now, ex-F1 driver Jolyon Palmer has pinpointed the Dutchman’s ability to hold the entire crew at Red Bull together.

Christian Horner was suddenly axed from Red Bull with immediate effect as RB’s Laurent Mekies is set to take the reins at the parent team. While Mekies’ work at the sister team has pulled in great results this year, Milton Keynes’ unstable state could cause the Frenchman trouble in leading the outfit. Jolyon Palmer questioned the 48-year-old’s ability to lead a team as tricky as Red Bull. Moreover, even Max Verstappen’s rumors of exiting the team and joining Mercedes in 2026 are at an all-time high.

Jolyon Palmer pointed out that Max Verstappen’s rumors of exiting the team came at a time when they were already going through a lot. Palmer added that Laurent Mekies must address the awkward hierarchy of leadership at Red Bull. The team is already pushing for a more divided leadership within the squad as Christian Horner’s exit has opened up the spots. Keeping in mind Red Bull’s current state, the Briton questioned if the 48-year-old could retain the team’s star in Max Verstappen.

Max Verstappen’s contract, and all the rumours, fall at the same time as Christian is ousted from the team. So I think that’s one thing that Laurent, with the hierarchy of Red Bull, needs to try and knuckle down. Can they keep their star driver?

Jolyon Palmer said on the F1 Nation podcast

Jolyon Palmer didn’t hesitate to assert that Max Verstappen remained the glue that was holding the entirety of Red Bull together. While many people are leaving the team or having trouble coping up with the struggles, Verstappen hasn’t caused any problematic situation for the constructor yet. Palmer pointed out that with the Dutchman out of the picture, the team would lose all the old management and undergo a completely new crew and drivers.

Because Max, at the moment, seems to be the glue that’s just holding this whole team together. Right now, if you take out Max from Red Bull, they’ve lost all the old management.

Jolyon Palmer added

Jolyon Palmer claims Max Verstappen ‘still able to direct’ Red Bull

Max Verstappen has achieved two race wins this season even with the mediocre pace from the challenger. The Dutchman is also trying to keep a positive attitude during the disappointing condition of the team. Due to Verstappen’s racing caliber and patience, his influence has likely increased by multiple fold over the past couple of years. Moreover, Jos Verstappen‘s control over his son’s career has also allegedly nudged the team into taking some decisions.