Red Bull faces decline as Villeneuve warns on Verstappen and team struggles intensify

Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve warned Red Bull that the team must do everything possible to retain Max Verstappen, describing the Dutch driver as the "last surviving soldier" and the only remaining strength after a series of high‑profile departures and internal power struggles. Villeneuve said the team has become overly political, lost its identity and has not yet reached the bottom of its decline.

Recent race results have reflected the problems: Verstappen retired in Monaco, missed the podium in Barcelona and struggled against Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren. In response, Red Bull announced a major update for the RB22 ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, aiming to make the car significantly lighter and close the performance gap.

Team‑mate Isack Hadjar praised Verstappen’s willingness to share advice, highlighting a cooperative atmosphere despite the broader challenges. The combination of Villeneuve’s cautionary remarks, the car’s technical overhaul and driver dynamics underscores a pivotal period for Red Bull as it seeks to halt its slip and secure Verstappen’s future.