McLaren CEO Zak Brown isn’t mincing words about Red Bull’s current state. Speaking on Bloomberg’s Hot Pursuit podcast, Brown openly criticized the team’s environment and speculated on the future of their star driver, Max Verstappen.
Brown described Red Bull as a “pretty toxic environment right now” and hinted at more issues to come. His remarks come at a time when Red Bull’s dominance in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships is facing stiff competition from McLaren and Ferrari. The once-commanding lead of Red Bull has been significantly challenged this season, with both rival teams securing victories.
Adding to Red Bull’s on-track troubles, the team is also dealing with internal controversies. An investigation into alleged inappropriate behavior by team principal Christian Horner, from which he was cleared, has cast a shadow over the team. Further destabilizing Red Bull is the departure of Adrian Newey, the Chief Technical Officer and a pivotal figure in their engineering team. Brown highlighted the significance of Newey’s exit, saying it has led to a “higher level of discomfort” within the team and potential challenges in maintaining sponsor relationships.
Brown also cast doubt on the security of Max Verstappen’s future with the team. Despite Verstappen being under contract until the end of 2028, rumors of an early exit persist, fueled by the recent upheavals. “You have the whole Verstappen drama. Is he staying or is he leaving? Max has a contract, only his father is quite outspoken,” Brown commented. He suggested that Red Bull’s recent instability could influence Verstappen’s decision to stay or go.
In a financial twist, Sergio Perez’s contract extension with Red Bull until 2026 raised eyebrows. Veteran German reporter Felix Gorner pointed out that this decision might be financially motivated rather than based on Perez’s performance. “The background to Perez’s two-year contract is financial sponsorship commitments that will end up with Red Bull Racing with the Perez package,” Gorner said, suggesting that Perez’s presence in the team is more about the financial benefits he brings rather than his on-track prowess.
On the flip side, Brown expressed optimism about McLaren and Ferrari. “If I look at who has the best path of visibility and momentum at the moment, it’s Ferrari and McLaren,” he stated, reflecting on their strong performances this season. However, he warned against complacency due to the unpredictable nature of Formula One, noting that “things can change quickly, so we have to keep our feet on the ground.”
Brown’s candid comments shed light on the volatility and high stakes within Formula One. While Red Bull remains a dominant force, internal discord and significant departures have raised questions about their long-term stability. Meanwhile, McLaren and Ferrari are seizing their opportunities, adding more excitement to the championship battle. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Red Bull to see if they can navigate these challenges and maintain their lead amidst growing competition and internal strife.
The Formula One landscape is shifting, and Zak Brown’s comments only add fuel to the fire. With Red Bull facing numerous challenges and McLaren and Ferrari on the rise, the rest of the season promises to be anything but predictable.
