Rumors of Christian Horner losing influence are growing stronger, while the possibility of Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull has not been ruled out.
Lately, Red Bull has been surrounded by a flurry of speculation. The latest reports suggest that the higher-ups in the team have decided to limit Christian Horner’s decision-making powers. Yet, the greatest threat remains the potential departure of Max Verstappen — a decision that could hinge on a single, key question.
According to Ralf Schumacher, that question is: will Max Verstappen have the patience to wait for the team to give him another championship-worthy car?
The former F1 driver criticized team principal Christian Horner — already under fire — and technical director Pierre Wache. He believes the environment within the Austrian team is far from healthy, and that understanding their own cars has become increasingly difficult.
Ralf Schumacher’s comments are backed by recent data. After dominating in 2021, 2022, and especially in 2023, Red Bull appears to have lost its way between last season and the current one.
Last year’s car initially looked unbeatable once again, but its decline saw the team drop to third in the standings. This year, despite two race wins, things have not improved — Red Bull currently sits fourth in the championship.
Even Max Verstappen’s heroics behind the wheel no longer seem enough to fight the McLaren duo, while the recurring issue of the second seat remains unresolved. “If Max wants to leave, you can’t stop him,” Schumacher said on Backstage Boxengasse, Sky Sports Germany’s F1 podcast.
“Red Bull is going through a tough time, and that will continue into the near future. It’s clearly evident from their performance. Imola looked promising, but apparently the car simply suited the circuit — just like in Suzuka.”
“It’s obvious where things stand,” Ralf Schumacher added. “Red Bull wants Max to stay, and Max obviously wants a competitive car. That’s not a given right now.”
“They’ve tried so much, and nothing has worked. Now the team needs to bring in new people. The atmosphere within the team isn’t great under Horner. Those who used to work there don’t want to return. A complete reset is needed, and that takes time. The question is whether Verstappen has the patience for that,” the German said.
But Horner isn’t the only one under fire — Waché is also in Ralf Schumacher’s sights. “As a driver, what gives me hope that Red Bull will build another winning car next year? The upgrades haven’t worked, so why should I assume Pierre Waché will suddenly build a miracle car? He doesn’t even seem to understand how last year’s car works anymore,” he said.
Nevertheless, Ralf Schumacher emphasized that he believes the three-time world champion ultimately wants to stay with Red Bull, and that there’s no need for him to make any rushed decisions about his future.
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