Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes that there is now a division in the Red Bull camp because of the ongoing controversy surrounding Christian Horner. Schumacher provided his thoughts after witnessing Red Bull’s podium celebrations this past weekend in Bahrain.
Schumacher explained (as quoted by Motorsport.com), “We were near the podium and then you see that everyone who used to stand together now did not. The danger is simply that some parties now want to leave and look for a new team or a new challenge. Because disagreement in a team with such extreme success is a shame”.
| Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff had already decided to dismiss Christian Horner on February 2.
An official press release had already been prepared.
However, Horner did not want to accept the dismissal and called in his lawyers, who intervened at Red Bull in Fuschl.#F1 pic.twitter.com/EShFvy6eYp
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) March 3, 2024
This controversy began in early February when reports emerged that Red Bull GmbH were investigating Horner after a female employee lodged a complaint of “inappropriate behavior” against him. Since then, an independent barrister hired by the company has dismissed the grievance against Horner.
Despite the same, Schumacher worries for Horner. Amid reports that there is a power struggle in Red Bull, Schumacher has advised Horner to take action against Jos Verstappen, who reportedly orchestrated the same.
Jos Verstappen wants Red Bull to sack Christian Horner
Jos Verstappen recently gave an explosive interview, where he explicitly revealed that he wants Red Bull to sack Christian Horner. The Dutchman said, “There is tension here while he remains in position. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”
Max Verstappen is currently the “most prominent” candidate to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, according to #AMuS #AMuS claims that “more and more clues suggest that the sensational transfer could take place.”
Could we really see Verstappen driving for Mercedes in 2025?? pic.twitter.com/btwf7QEeoc
— Mercedes-AMG F1 News (@MercedesNewsUK) March 4, 2024
This apparent power struggle within the Red Bull camp has also jeopardized Max Verstappen’s future with the team. Reports are now linking the three-time world champion with a shock move to Mercedes for 2025 that is being orchestrated by Jos.
Schumacher is ready to give credence to this rumor. According to him, the Mercedes move for Max is a “plan B if the whole thing falls apart.”