Former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa has identified the root cause of Red Bull’s current crisis, which has led the team to its present struggles.
After starting the year as the undisputed dominant force, Red Bull now unexpectedly finds itself in trouble. McLaren has already overtaken them in the Constructors’ Championship, and even Max Verstappen risks losing the world champion title to Lando Norris. According to Felipe Massa, this crisis is linked to internal politics and conflicts within the Austrian team.
Red Bull was shaken early in the season when team principal Christian Horner found himself under scrutiny after being accused of inappropriate behavior toward an employee.
Although an investigation cleared Horner of any wrongdoing and the case has been closed, the incident has created chaos around him. Since then, two factions seem to have formed within the team: Horner on one side and Jos Verstappen and Helmut Marko on the other.
Following this, several key figures left the team. Most notably: technical director Adrian Newey, who will join Aston Martin; head of race strategy Will Courtenay, heading to McLaren; and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley. Initially considered Horner’s successor in case of dismissal, Wheatley will instead join Audi as team principal.
Red Bull has now lost the lead in the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren, while three-time F1 champion Max Verstappen is under significant pressure from Lando Norris in the Drivers’ Championship.
Red Bull Crisis: Felipe Massa’s comments
Former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, interviewed by RacingNews365, shared his opinion on the situation. “What is happening in this year’s championship, after what happened at the beginning, is what everyone wants to see in Formula 1: many teams and drivers fighting for victory,” said the Brazilian.
“We are at a point where there are still six races to go, and anything can happen. McLaren is doing an incredible job, they are the strongest team right now and could possibly change the outcome of both championships. It won’t be easy for the drivers; Max is very strong, a huge talent, a great driver.”
He added: “But what’s happening inside the team isn’t good because conflicts and politics don’t help people do their jobs. Every conflict, every bit of politics within a team doesn’t help. I’m not inside the Red Bull team, so I can’t say for sure, but it doesn’t do any good. From the drivers’ side, Max should win. From the team’s perspective, however, I truly believe McLaren could win the championship.” – the former Ferrari driver concluded.
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