‘The beginning of the end’ – Red Bull alarm raised with moment ‘everything ch…read more
In the 2024 Formula 1 season, Red Bull Racing experienced a tumultuous journey marked by both triumphs and challenges. Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship, underscoring his exceptional talent and determination. However, the team’s overall performance faced significant hurdles, leading to concerns about its future stability.
The season commenced with Red Bull displaying dominance, reminiscent of their previous campaigns. Verstappen’s early victories suggested another year of supremacy. Yet, as the season progressed, the team encountered unforeseen difficulties. A notable 10-race winless streak ensued, marking Verstappen’s longest drought since 2020. This period highlighted challenges in the development of the RB20 car, as competitors like McLaren and Ferrari made significant strides. Consequently, Red Bull concluded the season third in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing behind these revitalized rivals.
Beyond on-track struggles, internal tensions further complicated Red Bull’s season. A prominent rift emerged between Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, and Christian Horner, the team’s principal. The discord began after the Bahrain Grand Prix, where Jos publicly demanded Horner’s resignation. This call came shortly after Horner was exonerated from allegations of inappropriate behavior. The friction resurfaced during the Austrian Grand Prix, with Jos withdrawing from a pre-race legends’ parade following Horner’s objections to his participation.
These internal conflicts did not go unnoticed by the broader Formula 1 community. Gerhard Berger, a former F1 driver and team principal, voiced concerns about Red Bull’s trajectory. He speculated that the team’s cohesion might be at risk, predicting potential departures of key figures such as Helmut Marko, Adrian Newey, and even Max Verstappen, while suggesting that Horner might remain due to backing from Red Bull’s Thai co-owner.
Amidst these challenges, Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull became a focal point of discussion. Despite the team’s struggles, he remained a beacon of excellence, consistently delivering top-tier performances. His ability to extract maximum potential from the RB20, even when it lagged behind competitors, was evident. Reflecting on the season, Verstappen described his fourth title as his most rewarding, emphasizing the team’s resilience in the face of adversity. He acknowledged that for a significant portion of the season, Red Bull did not possess the fastest car, yet they managed to maintain a competitive edge.
However, the season’s difficulties prompted introspection within the team. Pierre Wache, Red Bull’s engineer, expressed concerns about their competitiveness for the upcoming year. He highlighted the need to enhance the car’s speed and performance, particularly in slow corners, to match the advancements made by rivals. Wache admitted that part of their 2024 success stemmed from a strong start by Verstappen and missteps by competitors, underscoring the necessity for continuous improvement.
The departure of Adrian Newey, Red Bull’s renowned car designer, added another layer of uncertainty. His exit raised questions about the team’s future performance and strategic direction. Jos Verstappen voiced doubts about Red Bull’s ability to remain competitive in 2025, hinting that Max might consider a move to another team if Red Bull fails to provide a championship-contending car. Speculations have emerged about a potential switch to Mercedes, especially given Toto Wolff’s, Mercedes’ team principal, expressed interest in signing Verstappen.
Despite these challenges, Verstappen reaffirmed his loyalty to Red Bull. He emphasized his focus on overcoming tough times together with the team, dismissing external offers. His commitment underscores a desire to build on their shared history and achievements, aiming for future successes.
Red Bull Racing’s 2024 season was a blend of remarkable individual accomplishments and organizational challenges. While Verstappen’s fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship highlighted his exceptional skill, the team’s internal conflicts and performance inconsistencies raised concerns about its future trajectory. The upcoming seasons will be pivotal as Red Bull strives to address these issues, retain key talent, and reclaim its position at the pinnacle of Formula 1.
