As the 2024 F1 season commenced, Max Verstappen and Red Bull were poised to secure their fourth consecutive world drivers’ and constructor’s championships. The dominance displayed by Verstappen and Red Bull raised speculation on how quickly they would clinch their titles, with some predicting a potential victory by the summer break after race 14. With seven races completed, Red Bull continued to assert its supremacy with Verstappen claiming pole positions and victories, while Red Bull maintained a strong position in the constructor’s championship.
However, beneath the surface of their on-track success, trouble brewed within Red Bull. Rumors of sexual harassment allegations against team boss Christian Horner surfaced, leading to internal investigations and subsequent unrest within the team. Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, publicly criticized Horner’s behavior and called for his dismissal, sparking a feud that escalated throughout the season. The tension between the Verstappens and Horner intensified, culminating in incidents like Jos Verstappen being denied participation in an event at the Austrian Grand Prix.
The off-track turmoil and internal conflicts at Red Bull began to impact their on-track performance, with Verstappen’s results showing a decline. Additionally, the departure of legendary F1 car designer Adrian Newey further disrupted the team, as his absence affected the development of the RB20. Red Bull’s breach of the cost cap in 2022 also impacted their development plans for the current season, allowing rivals like McLaren to close the performance gap.
The stagnation in Red Bull’s car design, coupled with the team’s internal turmoil, allowed competitors to catch up and even surpass them in terms of performance. McLaren emerged as a formidable challenger, with Red Bull admitting to the superior speed and driver-compliance of their car. As the season progressed, Verstappen’s lead in the drivers’ championship dwindled, while Red Bull’s advantage over McLaren in the constructor’s championship narrowed to just eight points.
The ongoing challenges faced by Red Bull have transformed them from a dominant force to a team in crisis. The disharmony within the team has spilled onto the track, raising doubts about their ability to maintain their position at the top. The upcoming races, starting with Baku, will be crucial in determining Red Bull’s fate in the 2024 season. As the most competitive and ruthless team in F1, Red Bull faces a critical juncture where their decisions and performance will be scrutinized like never before.