Pitstop drama in Miami for Verstappen: Red Bull in increasing decline

Max Verstappen is exceptionally loyal. The Dutchman will never forget that Red Bull Racing gave him his chance in Formula 1 at a time when other teams could not or would not. That loyalty is commendable. It makes Verstappen who he is; a warm and honest person - although those who do not know him may think differently.

That loyalty is probably what currently prevents Verstappen from turning his back on Red Bull Racing. He loves working with his mechanics, his people, his friends. The crew where he is just one of the guys, instead of global star Verstappen, who is approached everywhere he goes. Max is just Max there, a regular guy from Limburg who shows everyone pictures of his little Lily like a proud father.

At the same time, Verstappen is a top athlete through and through; someone who hates to lose and who realizes that with his talent, many titles are still to be clinched. In theory, that is, because how can he perform in a team where there is constant unrest, a team that no longer has its technical affairs in order, and a team with a murky future perspective - think of the great uncertainty regarding the Red Bull Powertrains.

Undoubtedly, it sounds to some like armchair journalism, coming up with a spicy analysis of Red Bull after a lost sprint race in Miami. But the debacle during the pit stop is not isolated. It is already the umpteenth time this season that something goes wrong in the pit lane for what was until recently the best pit crew in Formula 1. Recall, for example, Bahrain, where it all went wrong three times.

Pure bad luck? No, not anymore. It is not only the pit stops that are problematic; there is still so much more going wrong at Red Bull. Hence, the thought arises that Red Bull has lost 'it', however undefinable 'it' may be. Red Bull has been falling apart for some time, and all that unrest unmistakably seeps down to the boys and girls on the floor; the people executing the pit stops, among other things. Is the crew to blame? No. That is entirely on the leadership.

With this team, Verstappen is attempting to achieve his fifth consecutive world title. It's definitely not hopeless yet. But realistic? That's another story, now not for the first time, ridiculous mistakes have thrown away oh so important points. And will next season be better, with the same people at the helm who now seem to have no idea which (technical) direction to go in? It's simply unimaginable. Day by day, it becomes clearer that Red Bull is moving down a dead-end street and taking Max Verstappen with them.

The Dutchman is indeed faced with an important choice, very soon: does he stay with Red Bull for another season, with the serious risk of ending up like Fernando Alonso - also blessed with loads of talent - anonymously participating in the midfield (or worse)? Or does he make the move to a top team?

Looking objectively at the facts and expectations, only one answer can be given. But then, this is Max Verstappen, someone who is thus loyal to this team. How much is that loyalty worth to him in the coming years?