Is Red Bull’s Dominance in Formula 1 at Risk? Gerhard Berger Weights In

In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, dominance is never permanent. Red Bull Racing, a team that has enjoyed a decade of remarkable success, now faces questions about its future. Despite Max Verstappen securing his fourth consecutive World Championship in 2024, former F1 driver Gerhard Berger has voiced concerns that internal conflicts, strategic missteps, and leadership uncertainties could signal “the beginning of the end” for Red Bull’s reign at the top.

A Season of Contradictions: Triumphs and Struggles

At first glance, 2024 appeared to be another milestone year for Red Bull Racing. Verstappen’s relentless consistency and raw talent saw him claim yet another championship title. However, beneath the surface, cracks began to form within the team’s foundation. Red Bull’s car performance, which had been superior in previous seasons, saw an unexpected dip in the latter half of the year. This resulted in Verstappen enduring a staggering 10-race winless streak—the longest of his career since his early years in F1. The slip in performance was not just an anomaly but a significant factor in Red Bull finishing third in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing behind rivals McLaren and Ferrari.

Red Bull had dominated the Constructors’ Championship since 2022, and their sudden downturn in performance raised questions about whether this was a temporary setback or a sign of deeper issues. Some believe that other teams had simply caught up with Red Bull’s technological advancements, while others argue that the team’s internal conflicts played a crucial role in their struggles.

Internal Tensions: Jos Verstappen vs. Christian Horner

One of the most prominent off-track dramas of the season involved tensions between Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, and Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner. The relationship between Horner and the Verstappen camp has always been complex, but 2024 saw the conflict come to a head in dramatic fashion.

Earlier in the year, Jos Verstappen publicly called for Horner’s resignation following allegations of inappropriate behavior. Though Horner was later cleared of any wrongdoing, the incident created friction within the team. The tension resurfaced at the Austrian Grand Prix when Jos withdrew from a planned legends’ parade after Horner raised concerns about his participation. Although Jos later claimed that his relationship with the team had improved, his ongoing criticisms suggested that all was not well behind the scenes.

For a team to succeed in Formula 1, unity is essential. When key figures within an organization are openly at odds, it inevitably leads to disruptions in strategy, communication, and morale. Jos Verstappen’s outspokenness was just one piece of the puzzle, but it played a significant role in Red Bull’s turbulent season.

Gerhard Berger’s Warning: The Decline of an Empire?

Gerhard Berger, a respected F1 veteran with a deep understanding of the sport, has expressed concerns about Red Bull’s current trajectory. Having raced for teams like Ferrari and McLaren, and later serving as a key stakeholder in Red Bull’s junior team, Berger has witnessed firsthand how the dynamics of F1 teams evolve.

Berger believes that Red Bull’s issues became more pronounced after the passing of its founder, Dietrich Mateschitz, in October 2022. Mateschitz was instrumental in shaping Red Bull’s aggressive and decisive approach to racing. Without his leadership, Berger suggests, the team may be losing its clarity of vision.

“It’s a well-known fact that you need much longer to build up than to tear down,” Berger remarked. “But nobody would have thought that everything would crumble just six months after the death of Didi Mateschitz.”

Berger’s concerns extend beyond the internal conflicts to strategic decisions made by Red Bull’s management. He specifically criticized the handling of Sergio Perez’s contract, arguing that the team’s hesitation to make decisive moves was uncharacteristic of the Red Bull of previous years.

The Sergio Perez Dilemma

Sergio Perez’s season was a tale of two halves. The Mexican driver started strong but struggled significantly as the year progressed. Despite his inconsistencies, Red Bull chose to extend his contract by two years ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix in June. Many questioned the timing of the decision, as Perez’s performance had already begun to decline.

Red Bull has historically been ruthless when it comes to driver lineups. From Daniil Kvyat to Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, the team has never hesitated to make swift replacements when necessary. However, their reluctance to replace Perez despite his struggles raised eyebrows. Berger pointed out that this indecision was a stark contrast to how Red Bull operated during Mateschitz’s era.

“In the Mateschitz era, Red Bull was always famous for clarity,” Berger noted. “Now, there seems to be uncertainty where there used to be decisiveness.”

Technical Setbacks and Development Challenges

Beyond the political and managerial struggles, Red Bull also faced technical challenges in 2024. Rivals like McLaren and Ferrari made significant aerodynamic advancements, allowing them to close the gap and, at times, outperform Red Bull on race days.

Additionally, Red Bull’s RB20 car, while initially competitive, struggled to maintain its edge over a long season. Upgrades that were expected to improve performance did not deliver the desired results, leading to frustration within the team. The tight budget cap regulations also limited Red Bull’s ability to make extensive mid-season adjustments, further compounding their difficulties.

Looking Ahead: Can Red Bull Recover?

With the 2025 season on the horizon, Red Bull faces a critical juncture. The team must address its internal conflicts, refine its car development strategy, and make crucial decisions regarding its driver lineup. The debut of the RB21 car in Bahrain on February 25 will be a crucial test of whether Red Bull has learned from its mistakes.

The upcoming season-launch event in London on February 18 will also provide insight into the team’s direction. As F1 continues to evolve, Red Bull must adapt quickly if they wish to reclaim their dominance.

Conclusion: A Temporary Setback or a Long-Term Decline?

The 2024 season has been a reality check for Red Bull Racing. While Max Verstappen remains a phenomenal talent capable of winning championships, no single driver can carry a team indefinitely. The internal strife, questionable strategic decisions, and technical challenges have created an environment of uncertainty within the organization.

Gerhard Berger’s warning should not be taken lightly. Formula 1 history is filled with once-dominant teams that struggled to maintain their supremacy—Williams, Ferrari, and McLaren have all experienced downturns after years at the top. If Red Bull fails to address its underlying issues, it could face a similar fate.

However, Red Bull has proven time and again that they are capable of overcoming adversity. The question now is whether the team’s leadership can restore unity and clarity before their rivals gain an insurmountable advantage.

As the motorsport world watches closely, one thing is certain: the fight for Formula 1 supremacy is far from over.