Insider: “Without Verstappen, Red Bull will shatter…”. As we delve into the dynamics of the 2024 Formula One season, it is increasingly clear that Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, is cruising towards a fourth consecutive title.
But despite the triumphs on the track, a storm is brewing within the confines of Red Bull Racing, a scenario that F1 expert and insder Felix Görner has powerfully dissected in his latest column published in the German media today.
The fragile peace within Red Bull Racing
According to Görner, at the heart of the Red Bull saga is a fragile truce, underlined by a rift between team principal Christian Horner and motorsport consultant Helmut Marko. The rift threatens the unity of the Austrian outfit and raises questions about the team’s stability away from the glamour of the track. Despite the team’s impressive showing in the opening races of the season, insiders suggest that only success can hold the team together.
Acknowledgement of Red Bull’s dominance comes from its rivals as well. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has admitted that stopping Verstappen and Red Bull may be too big a task this year.
Even Sebastian Vettel, a name synonymous with F1 greatness, finds his record challenged by Verstappen’s relentless pursuit of glory.
However, the triumphs Verstappen secures on the track do little to assuage the tensions simmering off it. The Dutchman’s calm demeanour, attributed to his confidence that he will win the title, belies the underlying conflicts that characterise the team’s internal dynamics. According to Goerner, while victories may temporarily unite the team, deep-seated issues remain that could threaten the team’s future success.
“Only success is holding this team together at the moment,” claims Görner in his sport.de column,
“If there had been another technical defect in Japan like in Australia, the situation would certainly have escalated significantly. But success brings everyone together, including Verstappen. For him, only victories and titles count.”
“…there is currently a shaky peace at Red Bull Racing over the whole thing,” claims the German journalist.
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The changing dynamics at Red Bull
The once unchallenged authority of Dr Helmut Marko within Red Bull Racing is now a matter of contention. Marko’s cautious approach and reluctance to publicly discuss the team’s internal situation marks a significant departure from his previous, more decisive role.
This change suggests a more complex decision-making process within the team, one that involves careful coordination and strategic silence.
“Marko used to be able to decide on the driver question all by himself and team boss Christian Horner then had to approve it,” says Görner,
“Now Marko says that everything has to be coordinated and that he can’t say anything about many questions. So it’s tactical,”
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The importance of Newey
The departure of Adrian Newey, the mastermind behind Red Bull’s championship-winning cars, hangs over the team and underlines the importance of stability and innovation in maintaining a competitive edge. Newey’s genius in car design has been a key factor in Red Bull’s dominance, a fact not lost on the competition.
“Newey’s presence in particular is enormously important,” confirms Görner in his column,
“The uber-car he built is unbeatable in normal form. The gaps to Ferrari, Mercedes and Co. are huge. When Verstappen says that he could drive as fast as he wanted and could have gone even faster, then that is a pointer towards the competition. The world champion wasn’t at his limit yet, but was playing with the competition.”
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Driving dynamics and the future
The team faces crucial decisions regarding its driver line-up, with Sergio Pérez’s future with the team hanging in the balance. Pérez’s performance relative to Verstappen’s is a key factor in his continuation with the team. Meanwhile, speculation surrounding Alex Albon’s potential return to Red Bull adds another layer of intrigue to the team’s future plans.
“According to Marko, Sergio Pérez still has a realistic chance of an extension if he is closer to Verstappen this year than in previous seasons,” says Görner,
“Pérez has taken a good step in this regard recently, but now he has to back it up in the next races. Marko will take a close look at it. And: If there is a driver who is forced into it against his convictions, then that will be a major point of conflict,
“And we know that the Thai side of the beverage company would also like to see Alex Albon in the Red Bull cockpit. However, this would then cost a transfer fee that would have to be paid to Williams. This is all currently being discussed.”
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Silliest of seasons
As Formula One navigates its way through the silly season, the focus remains squarely on Verstappen. His presence at Red Bull is the lynchpin of the team’s cohesion. However, the nature of the sport, which is characterised by constant speculation and strategic manoeuvring, ensures that nothing is set in stone.
“…the most important thing is that Verstappen stays. As long as it is there, this peace, this cemented peace, will remain. Otherwise the whole thing falls apart.” says Görner,
In an effort to plan for the post-Hamilton era, Mercedes have reportedly set a deadline for Verstappen to consider a possible move. The situation highlights the ongoing battles, not just on the track, but in the strategic boardrooms where the future of teams and drivers is being plotted.
As Max Verstappen races towards his fourth world championship, the story of the 2024 F1 season is intertwined with the story of Red Bull Racing’s internal dynamics. The team’s successes on the track contrast sharply with the uncertainties off it, creating a complex tableau of triumph and tension.
Felix Görner’s column sheds light on these intricacies, drawing attention to the fragile peace that holds the team together. As the season progresses, questions about Red Bull’s unity, strategic decisions and driver dynamics will continue to loom large, adding a compelling layer to the unfolding drama of the Formula One World Championship.
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After a mechanical failure last time out in Australia, Max Verstappen was back with vengeance claiming his 36th Formula One pole position in Japan. Yet the world champion did not have it all his own way as team mate Sergio Perez almost pipped him in qualifying with a time just 0.666 seconds slower than Max.
In the race, Verstappen was peerless retaining his position off the line as the lights went out for the first time. Then an ‘unsighted’ Daniel Ricciardo moved across the track on the entry to turn 2 to avoid the Aston Martin of Lance Stroll but clipped the front left of Williams Alex Albon putting both…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
