Verstappen and Red Bull issued mutual benefit warning

Jacques Villeneuve believes fellow F1 champion Max Verstappen and Red Bull "need each other to succeed" amidst rumours the Dutchman may look to force a move from the Milton Keynes-based team.

Villeneuve feels that whilst the relationship between Verstappen's father, Jos, and team boss Christian Horner is "not good", the three-time title-holder will put any such issues aside to win.

Horner and Verstappen Sr. have endured a fraught relationship of late. During the scandal surrounding the now-dismissed allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Horner that carried into the season, the latter called for the former to step down from his role.

Horner weathered the storm. However, tensions between the two resumed at the Austrian Grand Prix, Red Bull's home event in F1.

Verstappen Sr. accused Horner of moving to block his participation in the Parade of Legends at the Red Bull Ring. 

Horner flatly denied the claims, but a war of words was triggered. This culminated in Verstappen Sr. suggesting the car that had been earmarked for him to drive, the 2012 RB08, had been sabotaged.

However, despite the drama and in-fighting, Villeneuve believes Verstappen and Red Bull both understand the mutual benefit they share.

“The relationship between Jos Verstappen and Christian Horner is not good," Villeneuve remarked to instantcasino.com. "But, we know how Max Verstappen thinks - he wants a car that wins.

"It seems he’s moved on the story at the start of the season and I think both Max and the Red Bull team know they need each other to succeed. They will probably be willing to put behind any recent hardships.”

Mercedes would 'rob' to get Verstappen

Through the rumours of internal conflict and power struggles at Red Bull this season, which have broadly subsided for now, speculation linking Verstappen to Lewis Hamilton's soon-to-be-vacant seat at Mercedes has intensified.

The Brackley-based squad's team principal Toto Wolff is a known admirer of the Dutch driver and has been open about his desire to see the 26-year-old in his car.

There are also whispers of concern over Red Bull's ability to remain competitive as F1 ushers in a new regulations era in 2026.

Despite these factors, Villeneuve does not see a good fit for Verstappen away from his current home.

“It depends on what becomes available for Max Verstappen," he said, weighing up the Dutchman's options.

"Mercedes would probably want to sign Verstappen just to rob their big rivals Red Bull of their star driver. 

“There is no good team for Verstappen to go to right now, but in the long term, we’ll have to see.

"He’s been in the Red Bull bubble his whole career, and it won’t be easy to recreate that comfortable atmosphere at another team.”