‘The beginning of the end’ – Red Bull alarm raised with moment ‘everything…read more
Former Formula 1 driver Gerhard Berger has expressed concerns that internal conflicts within Red Bull Racing during the 2024 season may signal “the beginning of the end” for the team’s dominance in the sport. Despite Max Verstappen securing his fourth consecutive World Championship, Red Bull faced significant challenges both on and off the track.
The season commenced with Red Bull in a commanding position, but a mid-season slump saw Verstappen endure a ten-race winless streak—the longest since 2020. This downturn was attributed to developmental missteps with the RB20 car, leading to a decline in performance. Consequently, while Verstappen clinched the Drivers’ title, Red Bull fell to third place in the Constructors’ standings, behind McLaren and Ferrari.
Off-track tensions exacerbated the team’s struggles. A notable rift emerged between Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, and team principal Christian Horner. Following the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Jos called for Horner’s resignation, coinciding with Horner’s exoneration from an internal investigation into alleged inappropriate behavior. The discord resurfaced at the Austrian Grand Prix, where Jos withdrew from a pre-race legends’ parade after Horner expressed concerns over his participation at the Red Bull Ring.
Reflecting on the season, Jos Verstappen acknowledged the internal challenges but noted that the situation had improved, stating that the team was “now growing a bit more together again.”
Berger’s apprehensions are rooted in these internal dynamics and the departure of key personnel. The exit of Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey, who left Red Bull after 19 years to join Aston Martin, has been particularly impactful. Newey’s departure, announced during the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, marked a significant shift in the team’s technical leadership. Additionally, Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley announced his departure, set for the end of the 2024 season, to join Audi as team principal in 2026.
These changes have led to concerns about Red Bull’s management structure. Berger criticized the current setup, contrasting it with the clarity and cohesion that characterized the team under founder Dietrich Mateschitz. He emphasized that the internal conflicts and loss of key figures could undermine the team’s future performance.
Driver dynamics also played a role in the team’s turbulent season. Sergio Pérez, Verstappen’s teammate, struggled to match Verstappen’s performance, leading to his replacement by Liam Lawson for the 2025 season. Pérez’s underwhelming results added pressure to the team as they battled to maintain their competitive edge.
Verstappen himself has voiced concerns about the team’s trajectory. Despite his championship win, he experienced significant tensions within Red Bull, including conflicts involving his father and Christian Horner, as well as the departure of Adrian Newey. Verstappen confirmed that he considered leaving the team during this period, with Mercedes rumored as a potential destination. He also criticized McLaren’s controversial ‘mini-DRS’ system and raised doubts about the legality of certain car parts used by other teams throughout the season. Looking ahead, Verstappen remains focused on improving Red Bull’s performance, acknowledging the need to address the car’s weaknesses to stay competitive.
The culmination of these factors has led to speculation about Red Bull’s future. The team’s decline in performance, internal strife, and the loss of key personnel have raised questions about their ability to maintain their position at the pinnacle of Formula 1. As the 2025 season approaches, Red Bull faces the challenge of rebuilding its internal cohesion and addressing technical shortcomings to remain competitive.
In summary, while Max Verstappen’s individual brilliance secured another Drivers’ Championship, Red Bull Racing’s 2024 season was marred by internal conflicts, strategic missteps, and significant departures. These developments have prompted concerns about the team’s future trajectory, with observers like Gerhard Berger suggesting that this period may represent a pivotal turning point for the once-dominant outfit.
