While Verstappen Snr’s prediction was kept at bay in 2024, it is clear to see that Red Bull has experienced, if not an ‘explosion’, then a drawn-out collapse. Like the death of a star, one of F1’s great modern dynasties has imploded in phases.

That said exit clause is reported to be that Verstappen can leave the team if he is lower than fourth in the drivers’ championship by the F1 summer break, following the next two races in Belgium and Hungary.