Looking at the overall picture, Red Bull did not field the most competitive car of the pack in 2024. Despite starting the season as a dominant force, the progress of rivals, particularly McLaren, which turned the MCL38 into the most versatile car on the grid, coupled with issues with the RB20, negatively impacted the team’s trajectory in the recently concluded season.
It becomes clear that when you no longer have the strongest car on the grid, you must elevate your performance in other crucial areas to remain at the top in all the elements that can make a difference. In a season with 24 races, it’s not just about the car’s reliability—though it plays a primary role—but also about the team’s overall cohesion and the effectiveness of surrounding operations.
From this perspective, Ferrari and Red Bull serve as excellent examples, albeit for different reasons. Ferrari managed to sustain its world championship fight against McLaren until the end, despite not having the best car, thanks largely to the consistency and execution capabilities of both the team and its drivers.
Red Bull’s 2024 season, on the other hand, was marked by highs and lows both on and off the track. However, certain key elements proved vital in securing the drivers’ title with Max Verstappen. Chief among them was Verstappen’s unwavering commitment. Despite admitting to discussions with Mercedes, Verstappen remained steadfastly loyal to the Milton Keynes team, never questioning his dedication to achieving their shared goals.
Red Bull has a contract with Max Verstappen until the end of 2028 and clearly hopes to keep him with the team at least until then, especially as 2026 will be a pivotal year with the introduction of new technical regulations. In a challenging year, rife with tensions even off the track, Horner emphasized Verstappen’s crucial role: “Max has always been clear with the team,” the Team Principal said in an interview with Motorsport.com.
“His commitment has been constant. He feels comfortable with the people he trusts and works with, and he genuinely enjoys being part of this team. Naturally, with his talent, I’m sure he’s on every team principal’s wishlist—it’s inevitable. But as long as we can continue providing him with a competitive car and an environment he enjoys racing in, I don’t see him wanting to go elsewhere.”
Max Verstappen has never hidden the importance of having key figures within the team, such as Helmut Marko, who has guided him since his time in the Red Bull academy.
When rumors arose earlier this year about Marko potentially leaving the team, during an already challenging time due to issues involving Horner, Max Verstappen was quick to make his intentions clear: if Marko left, he would also consider departing.
In the end, Helmut Marko stayed, and the situation was resolved. However, for Horner, this was not the sole reason Max Verstappen continues to believe in the team. It also stems from his recognition of the team’s value beyond the car. When the vehicle isn’t the best on the grid, improvements must come from strategy, pit stops, and overall team stability—areas where Red Bull has consistently excelled.
This situation is almost paradoxical. In a season where many things could have fractured the team, both organizationally and in terms of car development, Red Bull still emerged as a well-oiled machine.
“Well, Helmut didn’t leave and won’t be leaving, so I think Max recognizes the team’s value, and that’s really what has been nurtured over this period. When the car doesn’t perform as hoped, the pit stops must be perfect, the strategy must be strong, reliability must be present, and the right decisions must be made at the right moments,” Christian Horner added.
Leave a Reply