Dynasties can crumble in two primary ways: through the passage of time or due to self-inflicted wounds. It seems Red Bull’s Formula 1 team has opted for the latter over the last year, sparking debates about the future of the organization.
Team principal Christian Horner was terminated on Wednesday amid what has been one of the team’s toughest seasons in years. Red Bull, once a dominant force, has struggled not just in the rankings but also in preparation for the 2025 season. Max Verstappen, having achieved 65 Grand Prix victories, has hinted at the possibility of seeking new opportunities.
Horner’s firing appears to be an attempt to appease Verstappen’s dissatisfaction, but warning signs had been evident for some time. The team’s handling of allegations of sexual harassment against Horner, which surfaced in February 2024, marked the beginning of a troubling period. At that time, it seemed inevitable that Horner would be let go.
The situation worsened when Adrian Newey, considered one of the greatest engineers in motorsport history, announced he would depart the team in April 2024. Newey’s departure raised questions about the team’s future, especially given his pivotal role in their success.
Things took another turn at the start of the 2025 season with a significant driver change. Sergio Perez, who had been alongside Verstappen during four world championships, finished eighth in the drivers’ standings last season, securing only four podiums. Despite any friction between him and Verstappen, his replacement felt abrupt and unjust, as the team appeared to prioritize results over loyalty.
Following Perez’s poor performance, Lawson’s struggles led to Yuki Tsunoda taking over the seat; however, Tsunoda performed just as poorly. Over the twelve races this season, both drivers ranked 16th and 17th in the championship, failing to secure any podium finishes.
Red Bull’s prevailing arrogance—an artifact of Verstappen’s brilliance—has contributed to their current predicament. The belief that all team members are expendable undermines individual contributions while overvaluing top talent, which has directly influenced the team’s state.
Now, the team faces one of the most tumultuous periods since its inception. With Verstappen discontented, Horner and Newey gone, and a transition from longtime partner Honda to parts developed by Ford, the pressure is mounting. Former Ferrari racing director Laurent Mekies is stepping in as team principal, tasked with navigating this crisis.
It’s unclear if Verstappen appreciates working with Mekies; his general dissatisfaction with collaborators raises questions. Presently, Verstappen sits third in the 2025 rankings, so a turnaround is still possible, but with McLaren’s current superiority, catching up seems formidable.
This situation is bound to become one of motorsport’s significant “What ifs.” Had Red Bull retained Horner in 2024 and made efforts to keep Newey, their outlook might have been drastically different. Instead, for the first time in years, the team feels directionless and devoid of hope.
If this signals the decline of the Red Bull dynasty, many fingers will point to various people, yet ultimately, there’s only one clear target.
