The cracks at Red Bull Racing are widening as the team faces internal power struggles, disappointing performances and growing speculation over the future of Sergio Perez. According to former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, a cold war still rages between team principal Christian Horner and senior advisor Helmut Marko—a rift that could threaten Red Bull's dominance in Formula One.
Amid mounting pressure, Red Bull's leadership crisis appears to be affecting team morale, performance and the once-unshakeable reputation of its flagship Milton Keynes operation.
The Horner-Markos divide: Trouble at the top
Red Bull's internal turmoil apparently stems from the power vacuum left by the death of co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz. The late owner's influence had long kept the differences between Horner and Marko in check, but his absence reignited tensions between the two. Schumacher revealed that these unresolved tensions compound the team's difficulties in an already obstacle-strewn season.
“There are rumors that things are still not quite ideal between Christian Horner and Helmut Marko,” noted Schumacher. “Internally, they are not yet completely sure about some questions. »
Schumacher also pointed out that Verstappen's father, Jos Verstappen, is another controversial figure within the team, adding to the growing pressure. “Jos is not very happy about the situation either,” he said, referring to the Verstappen family's dissatisfaction with Red Bull's management approach.
Perez Under Pressure: A Career in Freefall?
Sergio Perez's disastrous 2024 campaign has only deepened Red Bull's problems. With rumors of his imminent dismissal circulating, the Mexican driver has been accused of not performing up to standard and contributing to the team's fall to third place in the Manufacturers' Championship standings.
“Sergio Perez is really lagging behind at the moment,” Schumacher said bluntly. The German even mooted the idea of promoting young talent Franco Colapinto as a potential replacement for Perez, citing the rookie's impressive performances in the lower categories.
“Colapinto really did a great job. He deserves his chance,” added Schumacher, fueling speculation about a reshuffle of the Red Bull driver line-up.
Verstappen: An Isolated Ray of Light
While Perez's form has flagged, Max Verstappen has remained a beacon of consistency, achieving dominant victories despite the tumult around him. The defending champion's resilience has kept Red Bull in contention, but even Verstappen's exploits may not be enough to salvage a season marked by internal discord and inconsistent performances.
The path to Red Bull: a defining moment
The stakes are extremely high for Red Bull as the 2024 season draws closer to its conclusion. Beyond the question of Perez's future, the team urgently needs to resolve its leadership struggles and restore stability within its ranks. Schumacher warned that if the team does not act quickly, its position of third in the Constructors' Championship could deteriorate further.
“Red Bull has a lot to resolve at the moment,” Schumacher said, emphasizing the urgency for action.
A tumultuous season for Formula 1
The chaos at Red Bull reflects a broader trend of unpredictability in Formula 1 this season, where on-track performance has often taken a backseat to off-track drama. For fans, the intrigue surrounding Perez's future, the Horner-Marko feud and Red Bull's internal conflicts ensures the final races of 2024 will be as much about politics as racing.
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