Horner Bears 'Sole Responsibility' For Red Bull's Breakdown And Newey's Exit Says Schumacher
F1Saturday, 27 April 2024 at 14:00
According to former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner is to be blamed for Adrian Newey's potential exit.
Speculations about an internal struggle within the Red Bull Racing team have been ongoing since last season. However, Christian Horner's controversy made the situation much more tense in recent months.
The team principal was accused of inappropriate behavior towards a female employee. Although he was cleared of all accusations, the whole case seemed to have created opposing camps inside the team.
Max Verstappen's father, Jos Verstappen, then came out to say the team was on the verge of collapse and would explode if the 50-year-old team principal didn't resign.
However, despite everything that has happened and the immense pressure on his resignation, Horner managed to hold on to his position of team principal.
For a while now, it seemed from the outside that the situation inside the team from Milton Keynes had stabilized, but the news about Newey's potential exit suggest otherwise.
The 65-year-old genius engineer has reportedly had enough of all the drama and wants out. Although Red Bull suggested they haven't received a formal notice yet, it is understood Newey already informed the senior management about his decision informally.
Speaking on the matter for Sky Germany, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher said he believes that if Newey leaves, the team principal is to take full blame.
"Adrian Newey needs harmony, a good atmosphere, and a suitable workplace. At the moment, one must clearly say: Red Bull is falling apart."
"The sole responsibility for [Red Bull's breakdown, editor's note] lies with Christian Horner, as he clings to power with all his might."
Another problem that Red Bull might face very soon if Newey announces his exit is the potential departure of their star driver, Max Verstappen.
AMuS reported about two weeks ago (12th of April) that the triple World Champion would be happy racing for the team until the end of his contract if everything stays as it is and nobody has to leave.
Now, it seems everything won't stay as it is, and it remains to be seen how the Dutchman responds to this bad news. Had he decided to leave, Mercedes's team principal, Toto Wolff would have welcomed him with open arms. Schumacher added:
"I believe this won't be the last problem he will face if Adrian Newey leaves him. Max Verstappen is also contemplating his future, as is Dr. Helmut Marko, if you observe him."
"I give Red Bull two more years, and if they continue to cling to Horner, then the team will sink into mediocrity. I'm pretty sure about that."
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