Red Bull rival claims team have 'toxic environment' and teases Max Verstappen exit
One of Red Bull's rival chiefs has made an astonishing claim about Christian Horner's outfit.
McLaren F1 CEO Zak Brown has claimed that Red Bull have a “pretty toxic environment right now” and warns that further turmoil is coming for Christian Horner’s team after the departure of design chief Adrian Newey.
Horner has had a spotlight on him since the 50-year-old English executive was accused and subsequently cleared in an internal investigation of inappropriate behaviour.
The allegations have been the backdrop to Red Bull’s 2024 campaign, which has seen Max Verstappen beaten to top spot in three out of nine races, the same amount he dropped across the entire 2023 season.
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Rumours of an internal power struggle between Horner and senior advisor Helmut Marko have persisted, with Sergio Perez recently handed a new two-year contract. One key figure leaving is Newey, however, and Brown thinks that any behind-the-scenes worries are far from over.
"Red Bull is a pretty toxic environment right now," Brown said on Bloomberg’s Hot Pursuit podcast. "There is more to come. Newey's departure is an important one, because I think a lot of people at Red Bull started working with him. I already mentioned that there were resumes circulating.
"That happens all the time, but you see a higher level of discomfort. I also think that in the future it will be more difficult with sponsors, because they are going to examine carefully what they are associated with. That's a tricky situation."
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Brown also pointed out that Verstappen’s future remains up in the air. The Dutchman has a contract with the team until 2028 and claimed that his focus is only on driving the fastest car on the track.
But with McLaren and Ferrari gaining on Red Bull this year, coupled with Newey’s exit and the upcoming 2026 change in regulations, the team’s perch atop Formula One’s standings may come to an end within the next 18 months.
And Brown referenced Verstappen’s father Jos when elaborating on the questions surrounding the three-time world champion and his partnership with a “destabilised” Red Bull.
"You have the whole Verstappen drama. Is he staying or is he leaving? Max has a contract, only his father is pretty outspoken," added Brown. "Red Bull is a great racing team, but destabilised. You can see that with Newey leaving. However, you can never erase them.
"As I said, they are an incredible team, just by my reasoning, they are not as strong as they used to be. If I look at who has the best path of visibility and momentum right now, it's Ferrari and McLaren. Things can change quickly though, so we have to keep both feet on the ground."
Express Sport have reached out to Red Bull for comment.
