The Current State of Red Bull Racing: Challenges and Changes Ahead

As the 2025 Formula 1 season unfolds, the atmosphere surrounding Red Bull Racing is thick with tension and uncertainty. This year’s Austrian Grand Prix, set against the picturesque backdrop of Spielberg, hopes to bring a resurgence for Max Verstappen and his loyal fans—often referred to as the "Orange Army." Over the past few seasons, this event has been a source of immense joy for the team: from Verstappen’s impressive victories in 2021 to a solid performance in 2022, and a clean sweep of the sprint race in 2023. However, the recent turn of events has left the team and its supporters grappling with disappointment.

The 2025 season has not started as planned, with Verstappen facing a staggering 61-point deficit behind championship leader Oscar Piastri. Historically, no driver has successfully recovered from such a substantial gap to claim the title. This situation is compounded by a disheartening home race experience in 2025, which prompted Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko to nearly abandon hope for the team’s title defense. The stark contrast in performance, especially against the backdrop of McLaren’s dominance, has been a bitter pill for the team to swallow.

The Aftermath of the Austrian Grand Prix

After the disappointing race weekend in Austria, where Red Bull’s hopes were dashed after just one lap, team principal Christian Horner faced the media with a sense of urgency. In his post-race briefing, he aimed to provide clarity on the ongoing crisis affecting the team. Horner asserted that the core group of engineers and designers responsible for previous successes remained intact. He emphasized that the same team that crafted a car capable of winning almost every race just 18 months ago had not suddenly lost their capabilities.

However, this perspective requires a deeper examination. While the foundational team in Milton Keynes—comprising around 850 personnel—has not dramatically changed, there have been notable departures that have impacted the team’s trajectory. Notably, the ‘brain drain’ began in 2022, with the departure of key figures such as Dan Fallows, the head of aerodynamics, who moved to Aston Martin. In 2023, chief designer Rob Marshall also left for McLaren, marking a significant shift in the team’s dynamics. The exit of sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, who is now the team principal at Sauber/Audi, further adds to the list of influential figures who have departed.

Most critical of all is Adrian Newey, the renowned technical genius whose contributions were instrumental to Red Bull’s previous successes in Formula 1. His departure has raised questions about the team’s future capabilities and competitiveness. Horner’s attempts to downplay the impact of these changes in his statements might not fully acknowledge the complexities of these transitions.

Internal Struggles and Power Dynamics

The internal dynamics at Red Bull Racing have been rife with speculation and intrigue for years. Tensions have simmered between various factions within the team, including Horner, Marko, and the Verstappen family, leading to a power struggle that has threatened to destabilize the organization. This conflict became particularly evident during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2024, where escalating tensions necessitated intervention from senior Red Bull executives to maintain a semblance of unity.

In light of these internal conflicts, Jos Verstappen, Max Verstappen’s father and former driver, expressed concerns about the team’s direction, warning that the ongoing discord could lead to a fracturing of the organization. Predictions from external observers, including ex-driver Ralf Schumacher, have suggested that Red Bull Racing may be on a trajectory toward mediocrity.

The statistics support this claim. As of now, out of Red Bull Racing’s total of 162 points, a staggering 155 are attributed to Max Verstappen alone, leaving a mere seven points for his teammate. If Verstappen were to be removed from the equation, the team would rank near the bottom of the constructors’ championship, outperformed only by Alpine. This paints a bleak picture for Red Bull Racing, indicating that without Verstappen, the team would not only struggle but could become entirely irrelevant in the competitive landscape of Formula 1.

Accountability in Leadership

In the world of Formula 1, success and failure often fall at the feet of team leadership. Christian Horner’s tenure at Red Bull Racing has seen its share of triumphs, transforming a struggling Jaguar Racing team into a formidable championship contender. Yet, with this success comes the responsibility for failures as well. In a sport where results dictate job security, even the most accomplished leaders can find themselves facing the axe if their teams fail to deliver.

While Horner’s achievements in establishing Red Bull as a powerhouse in Formula 1 are undeniable, the importance of recognizing the contributions of his team members cannot be overstated. In the absence of Dietrich Mateschitz—co-founder of Red Bull, who passed away in October 2022—Horner’s influence may be waning. Reports suggest that he has reassured Red Bull’s Thai majority owners that the departure of key staff members is not a cause for alarm, as long as he remains at the helm.

However, this sense of security may be fragile. Support from the Yoovidhya family, the business magnates behind Red Bull, has begun to dwindle, particularly as they prioritize the brand’s success over personal loyalties. The mounting pressure could lead to significant changes if performance does not improve.

The Future of Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen, for his part, has attempted to maintain a degree of separation from the political machinations within the team. His primary focus appears to be on winning races and securing championships, a sentiment he expressed following his first title victory in 2021. With a contract extending until the end of 2028, many fans and analysts alike are keenly watching how Verstappen navigates the current turmoil.

During a recent press conference in Spielberg, when questioned about his future with Red Bull Racing, Verstappen’s noncommittal response fueled speculation. Instead of providing a definitive answer, he reiterated his focus on performance and racing, hinting that contract discussions are not a priority at the moment. This lack of clarity has left room for interpretation, leading to ongoing debates about his long-term commitment to the team.

Verstappen’s situation is further complicated by the impending regulatory changes set to take effect in 2026. These changes present a unique opportunity for teams to recalibrate and potentially redefine their competitive edge. Observers speculate that Verstappen might prefer a different power unit, such as Mercedes or Honda, for the new regulations. However, it might be more strategic for him to remain with Red Bull for at least another year to assess how the new rules impact the competitive landscape.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Red Bull Racing

As the 2025 season progresses, Red Bull Racing finds itself at a critical juncture. The challenges facing the team are multifaceted, involving internal strife, key personnel changes, and the looming specter of uncertainty surrounding its star driver. The decisions made in the coming months will undoubtedly shape the future of the team and its standing in the world of Formula 1.

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape of Formula 1, Red Bull Racing must navigate these challenges with foresight and strategy. The balance between maintaining internal harmony while striving for competitive success will be essential. As for Max Verstappen, the world will be watching closely to see how his future unfolds amid the backdrop of a team in flux, and whether he can continue to deliver outstanding performances despite the challenges ahead.