Red Bull SPLIT Emerges as …read more
Tensions within the Red Bull Racing camp appear to have reached a boiling point, as sources close to the team confirm a growing rift — both internally and within its driver lineup — prompting speculation of a major shakeup ahead of the 2026 season.
The situation centers on the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the team’s second driver, as Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda remain locked in a performance and politics-driven tug-of-war. With pressure mounting from Red Bull’s junior team, VCARB (formerly AlphaTauri), and the rise of young talent like Liam Lawson and Ayumu Iwasa, the team’s leadership is reportedly divided over the future direction of its driver strategy.
While Max Verstappen’s position as the team’s lead driver is unchallenged, internal disagreements — particularly between team principal Christian Horner and Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko — have sparked what insiders are calling a “philosophical split” over how to manage the team’s future, both competitively and commercially.
Adding fuel to the fire, Verstappen’s own camp is believed to be unhappy with ongoing instability and rumored internal friction, especially after the team’s recent performance slump relative to rivals Mercedes and McLaren. The reigning World Champion has not publicly commented on the internal strife, but his silence has only fueled speculation about deeper unrest.
As Red Bull faces increasing pressure from sponsors and shareholders to clarify its 2026 lineup, the prospect of a mid-season driver change — or even a long-term exit strategy for some key figures — can no longer be ruled out.
With the summer break underway and the F1 paddock buzzing, all eyes are now on Red Bull to see whether this split leads to bold decisions or further disarray.
More to follow as the story develops.
