Former Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has delivered a bleak assessment of Red Bull’s current situation, arguing that the team’s problems extend far beyond its on-track performance.
The Canadian believes years of internal political battles and the departure of key figures have left Red Bull vulnerable, while ongoing speculation surrounding Max Verstappen’s future adds further uncertainty.
Villeneuve sees deeper problems inside Red Bull
Speaking on Sky Sports F1, Villeneuve suggested Red Bull’s decline has been driven by internal tensions that have played out over several seasons.
“It’s become a very political place in the last two or three years. It seems like there’s been so much internal strife about who’s in charge, who’s doing this or that, and everyone’s been kicked out,” Villeneuve said.
“It’s very difficult to see a good future at Red Bull. It’s really strange.”
The comments come after one of the most turbulent periods in Red Bull’s modern history. What began as a power struggle within the organisation ultimately resulted in major changes at the top of the team.
Key departures have reshaped the organisation
Over the past two years, Red Bull has lost several of the figures most closely associated with its dominant Formula 1 success.
Christian Horner’s departure marked the end of a leadership era that delivered multiple world championships, while legendary designer Adrian Newey also left the organisation. Former sporting director Jonathan Wheatley moved on, and long-time advisor Dr. Helmut Marko departed last winter after decades of involvement with Red Bull’s driver programme and Formula 1 operations.
Villeneuve believes those exits have fundamentally altered the identity of the team.
“So it’s a difficult place, but they’ve gotten rid of everyone who made this team what it is today,” he said.
According to the 1997 world champion, Red Bull has “lost its luster” following the departures of several of its most influential figures.
“They haven’t reached rock bottom yet.”
While Red Bull remains one of Formula 1’s biggest teams, Villeneuve believes the organisation is still moving in the wrong direction.
“At the moment, things are going downhill, and they haven’t reached rock bottom yet. So, this is a tough situation.”
His comments reflect growing concerns about whether Red Bull can successfully navigate a new era without many of the people who helped build its championship-winning structure.
The team is also preparing for one of the biggest transitions in its history, as it develops its own power unit programme, making organisational stability more important than ever.
Verstappen remains central to Red Bull’s future
Villeneuve also addressed the ongoing speculation linking Max Verstappen with a potential move to Mercedes.
The Dutchman continues to be regularly connected with rival teams whenever uncertainty surrounds Red Bull’s competitiveness, and Villeneuve believes retaining him should be a priority.
“They have to find a way to keep him there, because at the moment, he’s the only good thing in the team – apart from the engine,” Villeneuve said.
“Because, as we’ve discovered, the engine is very good, at least the internal combustion engine part.”
Whether Verstappen ultimately remains committed to Red Bull long-term could prove one of the defining stories of Formula 1’s next regulation cycle.
For now, however, Villeneuve’s assessment is clear: despite Red Bull’s success over the past decade, he believes the team faces a deeper challenge than simply returning to winning races. In his view, the organisation must first restore stability and direction before it can fully reclaim its position at the top of Formula 1.
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