Max Verstappen is set to face a barrage of questions regarding his future with Red Bull as he returns to Saudi Arabia this week.

Max Verstappen is set to face a barrage of questions regarding his future with Red Bull as he returns to Saudi Arabia this week, one of the tracks where he faced defeat last season. The Dutch driver’s father, Jos, caused a stir in Bahrain recently by expressing concerns about the team’s cohesion under Christian Horner’s leadership.

Verstappen has refrained from commenting on his father’s controversial remarks but publicly wished him a happy birthday on social media. Reports suggest that Horner was not invited to Jos Verstappen’s birthday celebration in Dubai.

Additionally, Verstappen has not unequivocally voiced his support for Horner following the latter’s recent clearance of alleged misconduct towards a female employee. A meeting took place in Dubai between team management and a representative of Verstappen senior to address the situation.

Meanwhile, on the track, Verstappen aims to capitalize on his strong start to the season by securing victory at the challenging Corniche track in Jeddah. He acknowledges the different track layout and high-speed corners compared to Bahrain but remains confident in his abilities.

The Jeddah circuit, known for its smooth surface and high speeds, presents a unique challenge to drivers and teams alike. Mercedes, keen to rebound from a disappointing performance in Bahrain, is hopeful for a better showing in Jeddah.

Ferrari, despite brake issues with Charles Leclerc’s car in Bahrain, is expected to be competitive, while Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso aims to replicate his podium finish from last year.

Beyond the racing action, the weekend marks the start of the all-female F1 Academy season and the debut of F1’s new Aston Martin Vantage safety car.

As Verstappen prepares to face the media scrutiny surrounding his future with Red Bull, the spotlight remains firmly on the Dutch driver as he navigates the complexities of professional motorsport both on and off the track.