HUGE DISTRACTION for RED BULL: Max Verstappen Departure, Dan Lorang Steps Down as Coaching Director.
In what could mark the beginning of a seismic shift in Formula 1’s competitive landscape, Red Bull Racing faces a massive internal shake-up as star driver Max Verstappen reportedly signals his intention to leave the team, while Dan Lorang, Red Bull’s long-time Head of Performance and Coaching Director, has officially stepped down from his role.
This dual blow has sent shockwaves through the F1 paddock. Verstappen, a three-time world champion and the face of Red Bull’s modern era of dominance, has allegedly grown increasingly frustrated with internal dynamics and leadership changes within the team. Sources close to the Dutch driver claim that ongoing tensions behind the scenes — particularly involving team management and strategic direction — have left Verstappen questioning his future with the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
Though no official confirmation has been made, Verstappen’s departure rumors gained momentum following his cryptic radio messages and withdrawn demeanor in recent Grand Prix weekends. Speculation is now rampant that teams like Mercedes or Aston Martin may look to secure his signature as early as 2026 when the new engine regulations come into play.
Compounding the turmoil is the resignation of Dan Lorang, who played a pivotal role in building the physical and mental resilience of Red Bull’s drivers, including Verstappen and Sergio Perez. Lorang’s departure leaves a significant void in the team’s high-performance structure, raising concerns about Red Bull’s ability to maintain its edge in a hyper-competitive F1 landscape.
Red Bull has yet to publicly comment on either situation, but internal sources acknowledge the disruption as “a critical juncture” in the team’s future.
“This is probably the most unsettling time Red Bull has faced in a decade,” one insider revealed. “You lose someone like Dan Lorang, and potentially Max — that’s not just a performance hit, that’s an identity crisis.”
Fans are understandably rattled. Verstappen’s electrifying talent has defined Red Bull’s recent dominance, and Lorang’s behind-the-scenes influence was a key ingredient in that success. Should Verstappen leave, it would end one of the most dominant partnerships in modern F1 history.
As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on Red Bull to see whether they can weather this storm — or if the team’s golden era is nearing its end.
