After a spectacular 2023 season, Red Bull went into 2024 with high expectations. The Austrian squad and its fans were hopeful for a strong season. The team had a star-studded lineup, with Max Verstappen in the forefront. The RBR setup seemed unstoppable, combining experience, expertise, and talent.
However, the fairytale takes a dramatic turn as a power struggle breaks out in Milton Keynes. While Max Verstappen continues dominating on track, management is tearing apart. A lady member filed a complaint against team principal Christian Horner, revealing her inner conflict. As a result, RBR management came under fire, and essential staff opted to quit the organization. Adrian Newey was the most notable departure after nearly two decades. Since Newey’s departure, speculations about Max Verstappen following him were high. Reports suggest a shocking revelation by Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen.
Jos Verstappen Might Drive Max Away From The Vile Environment Of Red Bull
Rumors circulated in the paddock that Max Verstappen was considering alternative F1 possibilities. According to reports, Verstappen and his management have planned a meeting with Mercedes officials to discuss his future plans. Furthermore, Toto Wolff has publicly indicated an interest in employing the three-time world champion. It responds to Red Bull’s internal disarray, and Wolff believes the squad is in a puddle. As a result, this is the ideal time to approach Red Bull’s starlet. While Verstappen has denied all of the claims, they keep appearing. As a result of RBR’s political maneuverings, the off-track drama persists.
However, during a recent media interaction, Toto Wolff conceded that Verstappen might not be joining Mercedes in the near future. Wolff has put a full stop to the speculations circulating for some time. During an interview with Formula Passion, Mercedes’ chief admitted the team’s lack of competitiveness. He said the incumbent world champion would not sit in a problem-ridden W15. Thus, it is nearly complicated to entice Verstappen with a car that lacks competitiveness. Furthermore, the Austrian CEO cited that the F1 is an uncertain world and hopes for a turnaround.
Surprisingly, it appears that Wolff’s prayers may have been answered, as there are indications that Jos Verstappen could be instrumental in facilitating his son’s move to Mercedes. According to David Croft, people overheard Jos Verstappen talking about Max and Mercedes. This has sparked a new spring of speculations, as the three-time world champion might consider shifting to Brackley. After the Monaco GP, Croft received a few texts from people claiming they heard Jos saying, ‘Max going to Mercedes.’ Moreover, if the speculations come true, it would be one of the biggest transfers of the season.
Pierre Wacche & Team ‘Wants To Prove A Point’ After Newey’s Exit
While the Red Bull team is facing dreary issues, technical head Pierre Wacche is adamant about making a change. During a media interview, Wacche discussed whether the squad will miss Newey.
According to him, the issue concerning Newey’s absence is ‘tough to answer’ because the team is working on a specific path. However, he believes the future will reveal the truth when rivalry heats up. Furthermore, the French engineer stated that his crew was working hard since he thought developing an automobile was a collective effort rather than just one man. In addition, he noted that the technical team has a point to prove since losing out on someone as good as Newey would be tough, highlighting the Briton’s influence.