The off-track turmoil that rocked Red Bull in early 2024 may have been more than just a temporary distraction—it could mark the first cracks in the team’s dominance, according to Gerhard Berger.
The former Toro Rosso co-owner and Red Bull’s first-ever sponsored F1 driver has weighed in on the saga surrounding Christian Horner, suggesting that the internal conflicts and lack of clear leadership could spell trouble for the reigning champions.
“It is often the beginning of the end when such issues are brought up,” Berger told Auto Motor und Sport.
The Horner Controversy: A Power Struggle at Red Bull?
At the center of the drama was Christian Horner, who faced misconduct allegations from a female employee—a situation that led to months of internal tension and speculation. Despite an independent investigation clearing Horner, the turmoil exposed deep fractures within the organization.
Jos Verstappen was among those who publicly questioned whether Red Bull could survive long-term with Horner still in charge.
For Berger, this wasn’t just a controversy—it was a fundamental shift in Red Bull’s identity.
“The Red Bull brand has always radiated cheerfulness and a cool image. All of a sudden, everything changed.”
Despite Horner’s recent insistence that his leadership is ‘absolute’ and locked in until at least 2030, Berger believes the damage has already been done.
Uncharacteristic Uncertainty: The Sergio Perez Contract Fiasco
One of the biggest signs of Red Bull’s internal struggles, according to Berger, was the indecisiveness surrounding Sergio Perez’s contract.
- Perez’s inconsistency was obvious—his performance had clearly dipped.
- Yet, Red Bull still renewed his deal—a decision that shocked the paddock.
- Then came more uncertainty—instead of making a firm call, Red Bull kept shifting deadlines, giving Perez “three more races, then two more.”
“Completely untypical for the team, there are no clear statements anymore,” Berger noted.
This lack of clarity is a stark contrast to the era of Dietrich Mateschitz, Red Bull’s late founder, who was known for his decisive leadership.
“I couldn’t see a clear line there. In Mateschitz’s times, Red Bull was always famous for its clarity.”
Red Bull’s Future: Stability or Slow Decline?
📉 Berger’s Warning: The lack of internal unity and wavering leadership could be the beginning of Red Bull’s downfall.
📈 Horner’s Response: The team principal insists his control is absolute, and Red Bull will continue dominating F1.
🔍 Key Test Ahead: Red Bull’s handling of Verstappen’s future, and whether the internal power struggles resurface, will determine if the team remains at the top—or starts to unravel.
For now, Red Bull remains dominant on track—but off it, the cracks are starting to show.
Is this just a rough patch, or are we witnessing the slow unraveling of a once-invincible empire?
