The high-octane world of Formula One never takes a break. Teams relentlessly push boundaries daily, testing new ideas to gain any possible edge. However, even the best teams can falter. In 2023, Red Bull was on another level, setting records with their RB19. But the 2024 season is telling a different story, and it’s not looking good for the team.
Last year, Red Bull’s RB19 was unbeatable, winning more races in a single season than any other car in F1 history. Even in the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, Max Verstappen cruised to victory with a comfortable lead. The team seemed set for another dominant year, opting for a bold redesign of their car, the RB20, incorporating some of Mercedes’ failed W13 concepts. The move initially seemed to pay off, with Verstappen and Sergio Perez securing strong finishes in the opening rounds.
However, storm clouds were gathering behind the scenes. Team principal Christian Horner faced accusations of ‘controlling behavior’ towards a female employee. Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, was vocal about the team’s internal issues, even suggesting Horner should step down. Adrian Newey, the technical mastermind behind Red Bull’s success, announced his departure amid the controversy, adding fuel to the fire.
By the seventh race of the season, Red Bull’s lead had shrunk to 24 points ahead of Ferrari, with Max only 31 points ahead of Charles Leclerc. This is a stark contrast to their comfortable margin last year. In 2023, they were 135 points ahead of Mercedes, and Max was 71 points clear of Fernando Alonso after seven races. The Monaco Grand Prix highlighted their struggles, with Verstappen only managing a sixth-place finish. Martin Brundle of Sky F1 commented that internal strife might be affecting their performance. He pointed out that Ferrari and McLaren look well-organized and cohesive, posing a real threat to Red Bull’s dominance.
Monaco’s race was lackluster, marred by a red flag incident involving Sergio Perez and both Haas cars. With crucial track positions at play, the race resumed at a snail’s pace, with teams managing their tires to avoid pit stops. Brundle expressed his disappointment, calling it a ‘non-event.’ He suggested that new rules might be needed for Monaco to prevent such scenarios in the future.
Adding to Red Bull’s woes, Jos Verstappen called out the team, urging them to focus on racing. There’s a growing sentiment that Red Bull’s era of dominance might be coming to an end. With internal issues plaguing the team and their performance waning, Red Bull finds itself in a precarious position as the season progresses.
As the Formula One season unfolds, Red Bull’s challenges continue to mount. From internal controversies to on-track struggles, the once-dominant team is facing a critical juncture. The upcoming races will be crucial for them to turn things around and reclaim their former glory.
