Red Bull the training team in F1? The opposite is rather true
Red Bull Contentpool
Column
- Ludo van Denderen
It was some years ago, that GPBlog sat down for an interview with a former F1 driver from the Red Bull family. When this site asked to look back on that period, the driver in question was resolute: "No, I'm not going to say anything about that," he told us. "Different subject."
Why Red Bull was a no-go for him was understandable. In the past, the driver had been sidelined overnight by Christian Horner and Helmut Marko. No explanation, nothing. Gone. As it has happened so many times in recent seasons - unless your name is Sergio Perez, of course, and you bring in a lot of sponsorship money. Then you are allowed to dabble longer.
Success stories, but also often fuss
In Red Bull Racing 's 20-plus years in Formula 1, the team has become one of the most successful in the sport's history. They love to show off Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel, drivers who became world champions several times in Red Bull cars. Quite rightly so, although it should not be forgotten that Verstappen certainly became world champion at least twice just because he was Verstappen.
There were definitely the success stories, but far more often there were hassles with drivers, mostly talents who did flourish at other teams after leaving the Red Bull family. Alexander Albon and Pierre Gasly, to name just two from the most recent past. Red Bull is a graveyard for drivers, many of whom walk out the door damaged. Lawson is the next victim.
Red Bull is not the team it seems
Is it always down to the drivers? In part, no doubt. But there are no more single incidents, this is structural. A contract at Red Bull can usher in a great career, but much more often it is waiting for the moment when you come under fire and are sent away. It's a repetitive story. Not the best environment for young drivers to be in, although the outside world might see it that way. After all, Red Bull is the training team.
Meanwhile, Red Bull executives remain in place, seemingly not evaluating why drivers keep getting sent away. Is it the culture within the team? Are conditions internally not as good as thought after all? These are logical questions, to which Horner and consorts do not seem to be seeking answers. Until they do, we are waiting for the next driver to come under fire and eventually have to leave.