AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • WRC
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • WRC
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Red Bull Faces a Season of Change After 2024 Disappointment: “The show goes on”

Carl Smith by Carl Smith
January 11, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Red Bull Faces a Season of Change After 2024 Disappointment: “The show goes on”

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 03: Adrian Newey, the Chief Technical Officer of Oracle Red Bull Racing and Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner walk in the Paddock prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 03, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202405030515 // Usage for editorial use only //

The 2024 Formula 1 season marked a turning point for Red Bull Racing, as the team faced unprecedented challenges both on and off the track. A sexting scandal involving team principal Christian Horner set the tone for a tumultuous year, and while Horner retained his position, Red Bull’s dominance took a hit. The team failed to defend its constructors’ title, endured significant personnel losses, and prepared for a major evolution heading into 2025 and beyond.

End of an Era: Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley Depart

Two pivotal figures in Red Bull’s history—design mastermind Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley—announced their departures in 2024. Newey shifted focus to Red Bull’s hypercar project, the RB17, leaving F1 entirely after the Miami Grand Prix. Wheatley, meanwhile, confirmed he would join Audi as team principal after the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

The departure of these stalwarts marks the end of an era for Red Bull. Newey, in particular, was instrumental in designing championship-winning cars for Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, cementing Red Bull’s place as a powerhouse in Formula 1.

Horner’s Confidence Amidst Change

Despite the losses, Horner remains optimistic about Red Bull’s future. Speaking to Motorsport.com, he downplayed the impact of Newey and Wheatley’s exits, framing them as opportunities for internal growth rather than signs of decline.

“There’s only two going, and obviously, Adrian left in Miami, so we haven’t seen him. He’s been working on the RB17 since then, so he’s not been working on any F1 projects,” Horner said.

“The show goes on. We’ve got the strength and depth we need, and 2026—with our own power unit—is by far the biggest challenge and the most ambitious project this team has ever taken on.”

Horner emphasized that the team’s evolution was planned well in advance and that key promotions within the organization would ensure continuity.

Gianpiero Lambiase Steps Up

One significant change is the promotion of Gianpiero Lambiase, Verstappen’s trusted race engineer, to head of racing. Despite his broader responsibilities, Lambiase will continue working closely with Verstappen, ensuring stability in the driver-engineer relationship.

“He’ll still be working directly with Max. It’s just a natural progression trackside with those personnel,” Horner explained. “It’s great because it gives them an opportunity, and sometimes an organization, if it remains stagnant, it fails to progress.”

New Driver Lineup for 2025

Red Bull will also feature a refreshed driver lineup in 2025. Liam Lawson, promoted after a promising stint with Red Bull’s sister team Racing Bulls, will replace Sergio Pérez. Pérez struggled to match Verstappen’s pace in 2024, prompting Red Bull to make the change. Lawson brings mental resilience and raw talent, which Red Bull hopes will complement Verstappen’s dominance.

The Road Ahead

The 2025 season represents a transitional phase for Red Bull as they gear up for the sweeping regulation changes in 2026. With a new driver lineup, a restructured leadership team, and the ambitious challenge of developing their own power unit, Red Bull faces a defining period.

While the departure of iconic figures like Newey and Wheatley creates uncertainty, Horner’s confidence in Red Bull’s depth and adaptability suggests the team is poised to weather the storm. The question now is whether the changes will propel Red Bull back to the top—or mark the beginning of a new chapter where the competition catches up.

As the F1 grid prepares for the final season under the current regulations, all eyes will be on Red Bull to see how they navigate this pivotal moment in their storied history.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Zak Brown targets Fernando Alonso for epic McLaren Le Mans return
Motorsports

Zak Brown targets Fernando Alonso for epic McLaren Le Mans return

Zak Brown Sets Sights on World Champion for McLaren's Le Mans Comeback McLaren's big return to Le Mans in 2027...

by James Taylor
June 9, 2025
RAM CEO Tim Kuniskis Unleashes Unprecedented NASCAR Strategy: A Game-Changer in Racing
NASCAR

RAM CEO Tim Kuniskis Unleashes Unprecedented NASCAR Strategy: A Game-Changer in Racing

Tim Kuniskis is back in charge of Ram. He spoke with the Free Press on Friday during the Detroit Auto...

by Carl Harrison
June 9, 2025
Max Verstappen: Champion’s £58m mansion sale sparks rumors of secret marriage
Motorsports

Max Verstappen: Champion’s £58m mansion sale sparks rumors of secret marriage

Max Verstappen, the Formula 1 champion, has sent shockwaves through the racing world as he puts his stunning £58 million...

by James Taylor
June 9, 2025
Ty Gibbs: Michigan Third-Place Finish Fuels Burning Desire for Victory
NASCAR

Ty Gibbs: Michigan Third-Place Finish Fuels Burning Desire for Victory

Jim Dedmon

by James Taylor
June 9, 2025

Recent News

Zak Brown targets Fernando Alonso for epic McLaren Le Mans return

Zak Brown targets Fernando Alonso for epic McLaren Le Mans return

June 9, 2025
RAM CEO Tim Kuniskis Unleashes Unprecedented NASCAR Strategy: A Game-Changer in Racing

RAM CEO Tim Kuniskis Unleashes Unprecedented NASCAR Strategy: A Game-Changer in Racing

June 9, 2025
Ty Gibbs’ Frustration Erupts After Michigan Race: “Definitely Seem Upset”

Ty Gibbs’ Frustration Erupts After Michigan Race: “Definitely Seem Upset”

June 9, 2025
Max Verstappen: Champion’s £58m mansion sale sparks rumors of secret marriage

Max Verstappen: Champion’s £58m mansion sale sparks rumors of secret marriage

June 9, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • WRC
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks