“It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode.” These were the words of Jos Verstappen after the 2024 season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix as he expressed his concerns following Christian Horner’s exoneration by Red Bull GmbH. And unfortunately, his fears are finally coming true as things have indeed started to explode within the Red Bull Racing team.
The tensions within the team have been simmering for quite some time now, ever since the departure of the legendary designer, Adrian Newey. Newey was the mastermind behind Red Bull’s four consecutive world championship titles from 2010 to 2013, and his exit has left a massive void in the team.
But it’s not just about the loss of a key figure within the team, it’s about the ripple effect it has had on the team’s star driver, Max Verstappen. The young Dutchman has been the shining star of Red Bull Racing since his debut in 2015, and many believed that he had the potential to become a world champion with the team. However, with Newey’s departure, Verstappen’s future with Red Bull has come under serious doubt.
Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, who was also a former F1 driver, has been vocal about his concerns regarding his son’s future with the team. He has been quoted saying, “It’s a shame to see the team in this state. Max’s career could be jeopardized if things don’t change soon.” These words were spoken in reference to the team’s struggles on the track, as well as the internal politics within the team.
The tensions reached a boiling point after the Bahrain Grand Prix, where Verstappen finished a disappointing 8th, while his teammate Sergio Perez took the top step of the podium. This was a major blow to Verstappen’s title hopes, and it was clear that the team’s decision to focus on Perez’s car, rather than Verstappen’s, had caused a rift within the team.
But the biggest blow came when Christian Horner, the team principal, was exonerated by Red Bull GmbH following an investigation into the team’s struggles. This decision was met with shock and disappointment by Verstappen and his father, who believed that Horner was responsible for the team’s decline. Jos Verstappen was quoted saying, “It’s a slap in the face for Max and the team. It’s clear that the real problem lies within the management of the team.”
With tensions running high and no signs of improvement, it’s no wonder that Jos Verstappen’s prediction of an explosion within the team has come true. The recent news of Adrian Newey’s potential departure from the team has only added fuel to the fire. Newey has been courted by several other teams, and it’s no secret that he is unhappy with the current state of affairs at Red Bull Racing.
If Newey does leave, it will be a monumental loss for the team. His expertise and innovative designs have been the driving force behind the team’s success, and without him, it’s uncertain if Red Bull Racing can continue to compete at the top level.
But it’s not just about losing Newey’s technical expertise, it’s also about the message it sends to Max Verstappen. Verstappen has made it clear that he wants to win championships, and with Newey’s potential departure, it’s uncertain if Red Bull will be able to provide him with a car capable of doing so. This could lead to Verstappen considering his options and potentially leaving the team in search of a more competitive car.
The situation at Red Bull Racing is dire, and it’s clear that something needs to change. The team needs to address the internal politics and tensions within the team and focus on providing Verstappen with a car that can compete for championships. Otherwise, they risk losing their star driver and potentially their chances of winning a world championship.
It’s time for Red Bull Racing to take a long, hard look at themselves and make the necessary changes to turn their fortunes around. The team has the resources and talent to succeed, but they need to put aside their differences and work towards a common goal. Only then can they hope to keep Max Verstappen and continue their legacy of success in Formula One.
In conclusion, it’s understandable why Jos Verstappen is panicking about his son’s future at Red Bull Racing. The team’s struggles on
