For the first time since 2021, Red Bull’s reign over the Constructors’ Championship appears to be over. Despite Max Verstappen’s record-breaking fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship, the Milton-Keynes-based team faces the bitter reality of finishing third in the standings, which comes with a heavy blow for its workforce.
“No Bonuses for Red Bull Staff as Constructors’ Hopes Fade”
Red Bull Technical Advisor Helmut Marko revealed that team employees will not receive their annual performance bonuses—traditionally tied to a Constructors’ Championship victory—this year. With the team currently trailing McLaren by 49 points and Ferrari by 25 points, the odds of a late-season comeback are slim.
“For now, the main thing was to win the championship for Max,” Marko said. “But for our employees, it is a disappointment because they will not receive their bonuses, as they depend on our position in the constructors’ championship.”
This marks a stark contrast to previous years, where Red Bull enjoyed unrelenting success, both on and off the track. The news will likely sting for the hardworking team behind the scenes, who have been instrumental in Red Bull’s dominance over recent seasons.
“Perez Under Fire as Marko and Horner Demand Results”
Marko did not shy away from calling out Sergio Perez, whose underwhelming season has widened the gulf between himself and Verstappen. The Mexican driver has yet to secure a win in 2024 and sits over 200 points behind his teammate.
“We have to have two drivers who finish in the points,” Marko lamented. “Max is more than 200 points ahead of Sergio. This gap has cost us heavily in the constructors’ standings.”
Team Principal Christian Horner echoed Marko’s concerns, urging Perez to deliver in the final rounds to salvage Red Bull’s position.
“We have a mountain to climb in the constructors, but we will never give up,” Horner said. “We need Checo to get up there in the points.”
“A Mountain to Climb in the Constructors’ Race”
Red Bull’s struggles come down to the inconsistency of their second driver. Perez’s sixth Q1 exit of the season at the Las Vegas GP highlighted the ongoing woes, with a P10 finish doing little to boost Red Bull’s fight for the Constructors’ Championship.
McLaren and Ferrari, on the other hand, have capitalized on Red Bull’s weaknesses with consistent performances from both drivers. While Verstappen has carried Red Bull to race wins and podiums, the lack of support from the second seat has left the team vulnerable.
“Perez’s Future on the Line”
With Perez signed to a contract extension through 2026, the Mexican now faces mounting pressure to prove he’s deserving of the Red Bull seat. Failing to meet his performance targets, Perez could see his position under threat, with Red Bull’s junior drivers—such as Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda—eager for a shot in the senior team.
“We need Checo to perform in these final races,” Horner reiterated. “This is crucial, not just for the team, but for his own future as well.”
“Looking Ahead to 2025”
As Red Bull grapples with a tough season, the focus will shift to rectifying the issues that plagued them in 2024. With Verstappen leading by example, the challenge now lies in finding a second driver who can support the team’s championship ambitions.
For now, all eyes are on Perez as the season heads into its final two rounds. Will he rise to the occasion and secure Red Bull’s standing, or will this season mark the beginning of a significant shake-up within the team?