Red Bull Racing, one of the most dominant Formula 1 teams in recent years, is facing a crisis that has generated uncertainty and concern within the team. After a sweeping 2023 season with near-total dominance, the team started the 2024 season strong but saw its performance progressively decline after the Spanish Grand Prix, culminating in a tenth consecutive race without a win last weekend in Mexico, leaving uncertainties for the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix this Sunday.
The impact of this situation is clear—Red Bull Racing no longer leads the Constructors’ Championship, an unprecedented situation over the past two years. Furthermore, Max Verstappen, who had been the team’s flagship driver, has struggled to compete consistently, putting his chances of retaining the title in question. The combination of these factors has led to a deep analysis of the problems the team is facing.
THE RB20 MODEL AND ITS FAILURES
One of the main factors behind Red Bull Racing’s poor performance is the RB20 model. This car began to show signs of weakness at the Spanish Grand Prix, where various design and configuration flaws became evident. Although the team initially did not consider these issues to be critical, the difficulties continued to mount in subsequent races, significantly affecting overall performance.
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, recently admitted that past victories masked these problems. However, the situation has changed, and both Horner and the team’s advisor, Helmut Marko, acknowledge that the RB20’s setup is too sensitive and difficult to handle, causing frustration among both the drivers and technical team.
INTERNAL TENSIONS AND DISPUTES
The Red Bull crisis is not only limited to on-track performance. Tensions have surfaced within the Red Bull team, particularly between Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, who have shown disagreements over the team’s direction and how to address the issues.
Marko has openly criticized some of Horner’s decisions, especially those related to driver management and car configuration. The lack of consensus among the team’s leadership has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and pressure that does not help improve performance at such a delicate time.
ADRIAN NEWEY’S DEPARTURE AND ITS IMPACT
Another significant blow to Red Bull Racing was the departure of engineer and designer Adrian Newey, who was responsible for some of the team’s most successful designs in F1 history. Newey left the team at the beginning of the 2024 season to join Aston Martin, and his departure has left a gap that is hard to fill. The loss of his vision and talent in car design has impacted the development of the RB20 model.
The RB19 model, one of Newey’s last creations, was a dominant car that set records and achieved an impressive number of victories in 2023. However, the transition to the RB20 without Newey’s guidance has proven problematic, and the new design adjustments have failed to replicate past success, directly impacting Red Bull’s chances of staying at the top.
CHECO PEREZ AND RUMORS OF HIS DEPARTURE
Sergio “Checo” Pérez’s position at Red Bull has also been a topic of discussion. Helmut Marko has been critical of the Mexican driver’s performance, highlighting his lack of consistency in recent races. These statements have sparked rumors of a possible exit for Pérez, with speculation that Franco Colapinto, a young Argentine driver without a seat for 2025, could take his place next season.
Although Pérez has had good moments with the team, the pressure and lack of response to his comments about the RB20’s handling have created tensions. For Checo, finding a solution to the car’s problems is essential, and he has expressed his commitment to working with the team to improve the car’s setup in the coming days.
VERSTAPPEN’S DOUBTS ABOUT THE CHAMPIONSHIP
Max Verstappen, the three-time F1 champion, has been critical of Red Bull’s current situation. For him, the odds of winning both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships seem increasingly difficult, as the RB20 does not provide a competitive edge. “At this rate, we’ll lose both titles,” the Dutchman said after the Italian Grand Prix, pointing out the car’s lack of reliability.
Despite the challenges, Verstappen has made it clear that he will continue to give his best, even if the title is not entirely in his hands. Red Bull faces a crucial week of analysis and work at the factory in an attempt to find solutions and salvage the season.