Zak Brown’s crystal ball might just be spot-on. The internal drama within Red Bull that flared up earlier in the season is set to make a comeback, and the future of their driver line-up is now the latest battleground.
There’s no update yet on the appeal by the female employee from Milton Keynes after her accusations against Christian Horner were dismissed. But all eyes are on the driver decisions, with Christian Horner and Dr. Helmut Marko not exactly seeing eye to eye. Helmut Marko, responsible for Red Bull’s junior driver development, seems at odds with team boss Horner over who gets the coveted seat.
The shuffle involved Pierre Gasly, who, after six years with Red Bull, was ousted. Dr. Marko had backed Nyck de Vries, claiming he had the experience to lead the team. However, ten races in, De Vries was shown the door, and Horner’s favorite, Daniel Ricciardo, took his place. This decision was validated when Marko admitted that Horner wasn’t a fan of De Vries and seemed to be right about him.
Meanwhile, Ricciardo hasn’t exactly been lighting up the track either, trailing behind teammate Yuki Tsunoda. Fans and experts speculate that Sergio Perez might face the ax during the summer break due to a performance clause in his contract. Falling 137 points behind Verstappen, Perez’s future hangs in the balance. Rumors suggest Daniel Ricciardo might fill in temporarily, while newcomer Liam Lawson gets up to speed.
Dr. Marko’s preferences further complicate the situation. He’s not keen on Perez and doesn’t seem to back Ricciardo either, recently hinting that Liam Lawson is the future. This puts Yuki Tsunoda, despite his new contract, in a murky position. Marko doesn’t appear to see him as a long-term option alongside Verstappen.
The political tension within Red Bull hasn’t gone unnoticed. Instead of focusing on securing their seventh constructors’ title, internal disagreements seem to be taking the spotlight. With other teams like Mercedes and Aston Martin solidifying their line-ups for the future, Red Bull’s in-house drama could be their Achilles’ heel.
Amidst these turbulent times, it’s clear that Red Bull needs a concrete strategy. With Perez’s declining performance and the hesitation around Ricciardo, the team’s future success relies on swift, decisive action. The next few months will be crucial for Red Bull as they navigate this internal storm.
The drama at Red Bull is far from over, and how they manage their internal conflicts will be key. With pivotal decisions to be made about their drivers, the team’s future hangs in the balance. Buckle up, F1 fans, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
