#But it is really unsuprising to me if Checo is kept

[vroomvroomthings]

What I think people need to realize is that Red Bull Racing was Dietrich's passion project and he (along with Helmut) were the ones who had performance as a priority. Ever since he died, basically every move they have made has pointed towards them going for profit over performance; keeping Checo in that seat, exclusively for the sponsor money, is logical (if embarassing) from that perspective.

Unlike other teams they are NOT a car manufacturer company, the WCC is not their priority. They want Athletes first for advertisement, and Max being able to win a WDC in a third place car is a big thing, especiaĺly if next couple of years they get more wind tunnel time to test their RBPT products.

Downside is, Max leaving them would let them with a guy who can't make it out of Q1 most weeks and a newbie in a difficult to drive car. Also, the crews missing out on performance bonuses because Checo can't drive anymore will probably worsen their brain drain with time, unless they get internal bonuses to make up for it.