JUST IN : Horner under Red Bull pressure as key issue could trigger Verstappen exit…Read more
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has suggested that Christian Horner’s role as Red Bull team principal should be re-evaluated, describing him as a ‘controversial’ figure. Schumacher made these remarks on the German Sky F1 podcast Backstage Pit Lane, criticizing Horner and Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, for their recent management decisions.
Red Bull’s leadership has been facing mounting pressure, particularly following a tough call regarding driver Liam Lawson. The 23-year-old struggled in the first two races of the 2025 season, failing to score any points. As a result, the team decided to replace him with Yuki Tsunoda starting from the Japanese Grand Prix, sending Lawson back to Racing Bulls. However, Schumacher was unimpressed with how Red Bull handled the situation and accused the team of poor decision-making.
According to Schumacher, Red Bull’s management is in disarray, describing them as a “headless bunch” constantly “firefighting” issues. He questioned how the team, once a dominant force in F1, had reached this turbulent state. Reflecting on the late Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz’s legacy, Schumacher speculated that Mateschitz would have been deeply concerned about the team’s current situation.
Schumacher also hinted that Horner’s leadership could be under scrutiny, though there is no official indication from Red Bull that his position is at risk. Despite recent struggles, the team remains a strong contender in the championship, with Max Verstappen currently sitting second in the drivers’ standings.
Nevertheless, Schumacher believes that significant internal changes may be inevitable. He criticized Horner for failing to maintain harmony within the team and allowing personal conflicts to impact Red Bull’s success. In his view, this lack of stability has led to key figures, such as renowned engineer Adrian Newey, leaving the team.
Newey, who played a vital role in Red Bull’s success over nearly two decades, departed in 2024 and is now Aston Martin’s managing technical partner. Schumacher suggested that Horner will now face the consequences of these departures, which could create long-term challenges for Red Bull.
While Red Bull remains one of the leading teams in F1, the departure of influential personnel and ongoing internal struggles raise concerns about their ability to maintain dominance. Despite speculation, no official statements have been made regarding potential changes in leadership. However, Schumacher’s remarks highlight the uncertainty surrounding Red Bull’s future and whether Horner can navigate the team through this turbulent period.
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