McLaren CEO Zak Brown has recently taken a swipe at Red Bull, criticising the team’s current environment and speculating on the future of star driver Max Verstappen. Brown’s comments add to a growing narrative of turmoil within the Red Bull camp, despite the team’s strong performance in the championship.

Despite currently leading both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, Red Bull’s 2024 campaign has been fraught with challenges both on and off the track. On the track, Red Bull’s once commanding lead has been significantly eroded by McLaren and Ferrari, with both rival teams claiming victories this season to tighten the competition at the top.

Away from the track, the Milton Keynes-based team have been embroiled in a number of controversies. In particular, an investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour by team principal Christian Horner has cast a shadow over the team, although Horner was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing.

To add to their woes, the departure of Adrian Newey, Red Bull’s Chief Technical Officer and a key figure in their engineering team, has raised questions about the team’s stability and future performance.

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Brown’s insight into Red Bull’s problems

Speaking on Bloomberg’s Hot Pursuit podcast, Brown didn’t hold back in his assessment of Red Bull’s internal struggles. “Red Bull is a pretty toxic environment right now,” Brown said.

“There’s more to come…”

He went on to explain the impact of Newey’s departure, emphasising its significance.

“Newey’s departure is important because I think a lot of people at Red Bull started working with him. I mentioned that there were CVs circulating. That happens all the time, but you see a higher level of discomfort.”

Brown also highlighted the potential long-term impact on Red Bull’s relationships with sponsors.

“I also think it will be more difficult with sponsors in the future, because they will look carefully at what they are associated with. It’s a tricky situation.”

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Financial trouble ahead for Red Bull?

Indeed, when Red Bull Racing confirmed the extension of Sergio Perez’s contract, securing his place alongside F1’s dominant force, Max Verstappen, until 2026. The decision raised eyebrows throughout the motorsport community, sparking debate as to whether it was a reward for Perez’s improved performance or something else entirely.

Felix Gorner, a veteran German RTL reporter with deep insight into Formula One, offers a different perspective. He claims that Perez’s contract extension is driven more by financial considerations than sporting merit.

 

 

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Gorner told sport.de: “The background to Perez’s two-year contract is financial sponsorship commitments that will end up with Red Bull Racing with the Perez package.”

This suggests that Perez’s continued presence in the team is less about his on-track performance and more about the financial benefits he brings.

“In other words, it’s a financial decision to be able to afford a driver as expensive as Max Verstappen in the future,” Gorner continued. The implication is clear: Perez, once a celebrated talent, has now fallen into the role of ‘pay driver’ – a term often used disparagingly in motorsport to describe drivers who secure their seats through financial backing rather than skill.

Perhaps the team might well be expecting to lose some sponsorship revenue as Brown alludes to, and such a financial hole could be partially filled by retaining Perez?

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The uncertainty surrounding Verstappen

In addition to Red Bull’s organisational issues, Brown also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Max Verstappen’s future with the team. Although Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, rumours of a possible early exit continue to circulate, especially in light of the recent upheaval within the team.

“You have the whole Verstappen drama. Is he staying or is he leaving? Max has a contract, only his father is quite outspoken,” Brown commented. He suggested that Red Bull’s recent instability, exacerbated by the departure of Newey, could influence Verstappen’s decision.

Brown acknowledged Red Bull’s ability, but questioned their current strength.

“Red Bull is a great racing team, but it is destabilised. You can see that with Newey leaving. But you can never wipe them out.”

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McLaren and Ferrari on the rise

In contrast, Brown was upbeat about the prospects of McLaren and Ferrari.

“If I look at who has the best path of visibility and momentum at the moment, it’s Ferrari and McLaren,” he said, reflecting on the teams’ recent performances and upward trajectory.

However, he cautioned against complacency, noting the unpredictable nature of F1.

“Things can change quickly, so we have to keep our feet on the ground.”

Brown’s candid comments underline the volatility and high stakes of Formula One. While Red Bull remain a formidable force, internal discord and key departures have raised questions about their long-term dominance. Meanwhile, McLaren and Ferrari are making the most of their opportunities, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the ongoing championship battle.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Red Bull to see how they meet these challenges and whether they can maintain their position at the top of the sport amidst growing competition and internal strife.

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MORE F1 NEWS – BREAKING: Hamilton’s successor confirmed

In a major development for the Formula One world, Mercedes have officially announced their driver line-up for the 2025 season. George Russell will be joined by 17-year-old prodigy Kimi Antonelli, putting an end to speculation over who will succeed Lewis Hamilton.

This decision follows in the footsteps of Ferrari and Red Bull, as the final piece of the puzzle in the top three teams’ driver carousel has fallen into place…READ MORE ON THIS STORY