Max Verstappen has spoken out about the turbulence Red Bull Racing endured in 2024, suggesting that the late Dietrich Mateschitz, Red Bull’s legendary co-founder, would have managed the situation far more effectively than the current leadership.
The team’s struggles stemmed largely from an internal investigation into team principal Christian Horner, which sparked a chain reaction of unrest and staff departures. Although Horner was ultimately cleared of wrongdoing, Verstappen believes the drawn-out investigation, which plagued the first half of the season, could have been handled swiftly and decisively under Mateschitz’s leadership.
The Mateschitz Effect: “This would’ve been resolved quickly”
Dietrich Mateschitz, who passed away in 2022, was widely credited with shaping Red Bull Racing into the dominant force it is today. Verstappen, a four-time world champion with the team, expressed frustration over how the saga unfolded, noting that Mateschitz’s authoritative yet supportive presence was sorely missed.
“Of course, the matter was not nice, but I claim that this case would have been resolved very quickly with Didi Mateschitz,” Verstappen said.
The prolonged nature of the investigation not only unsettled the team but also coincided with a performance slump. Red Bull, accustomed to leading the field, was forced to play catch-up for much of the season as rivals McLaren and Ferrari capitalized on the disruption.
Loyalty to Red Bull—With Conditions
Despite the turmoil, Verstappen remains loyal to Red Bull. The Dutchman, under contract until the end of 2028, has consistently stated his commitment to the team. However, he has also hinted at an “exit clause” linked to the continued presence of Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s longtime advisor and Verstappen’s earliest mentor.
“Well, I’m happy where I am. And one condition of mine is always the same: my discoverer and sponsor, Helmut Marko, must stay,” Verstappen asserted.
Marko’s role in Verstappen’s career cannot be overstated. The Austrian talent scout famously plucked Verstappen from karting stardom and thrust him into Formula 1 at just 17 years old, a gamble that has paid off handsomely for Red Bull.
A Changing Red Bull Landscape
The 2025 season will see significant changes within Red Bull Racing as Liam Lawson steps in to replace Sergio Pérez. The young New Zealander is expected to learn from Verstappen, but he also faces the daunting task of finding his place within a team in transition.
Horner and the engineering team will also need to address issues with the 2024 chassis, which struggled with a narrow operating window, exacerbating driver frustrations. Red Bull’s focus will need to shift from damage control to rebuilding the unity and stability that once defined the team.
A Legacy to Uphold
Dietrich Mateschitz’s absence is still felt deeply within Red Bull, and Verstappen’s remarks underline the challenges the team faces without its iconic founder. The chaos of 2024 exposed vulnerabilities that Mateschitz’s leadership may have shielded the team from. Now, as Red Bull looks to 2025, the goal is not just to compete but to restore the dominance and stability that once made it untouchable.
For Verstappen, the upcoming season represents more than just another title defense—it’s a test of Red Bull’s ability to adapt and overcome without the man who built its legacy.
