Why Brundle’s Bold Assessment. Red Bull’s Verstappen Strategy Under Fire

Martin Brundle has sparked debate with his claim that Red Bull is “paying the price” for prioritizing Max Verstappen’s dominance in Formula 1. While Verstappen’s brilliance is undeniable, Brundle suggests the team’s one-sided approach has created vulnerabilities, leaving Red Bull struggling for balance.

Verstappen’s Shadow Looms Large

Since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure in 2018, Verstappen has systematically outshined and outperformed every teammate. From Pierre Gasly to Alex Albon and most recently Sergio Perez, Red Bull’s second drivers have failed to thrive.

Brundle criticized Red Bull’s reliance on Verstappen, arguing that it has turned the second seat into a revolving door for struggling drivers. This strategy, he warns, has backfired, leaving Red Bull exposed and overly dependent on a single star.

Perez’s Collapse and Red Bull’s Slide

Despite a promising start, Sergio Perez’s performance crumbled just six races into the season, scoring only 49 points in the final 18 races. This collapse saw Red Bull fall behind McLaren and Ferrari, marking its worst finish in five years.

Brundle pointed out that Verstappen’s preference for a sensitive front end has resulted in cars that are nearly undrivable for teammates. Critics argue this setup favors Verstappen but sacrifices consistency and team balance.

The Liam Lawson Gamble

In a bold move, Red Bull promoted Liam Lawson to the second seat after just 11 grands prix. Brundle questioned whether Lawson, though talented, is ready for the challenge, given Verstappen’s custom-tailored car setup.

Comparisons to “playing Call of Duty with the sensitivity maxed out” highlight the steep learning curve Lawson faces. Brundle emphasized that the pressure to succeed in Verstappen’s shadow could crush even the most promising drivers.

Verstappen: A Double-Edged Sword?

Brundle didn’t shy away from questioning Verstappen’s influence on Red Bull’s design philosophy. He suggested that building cars exclusively around Verstappen’s preferences has handicapped teammates.

Even Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, admitted Red Bull needs a more neutral car setup to support multiple drivers. Yet Helmut Marko defended the status quo, insisting it’s “only natural” to prioritize the team’s star performer—a decision that continues to fuel criticism.

A Culture of Pressure?

Brundle raised concerns about a toxic culture at Red Bull that may deter talented drivers from joining the team. With Verstappen’s dominance casting a long shadow, teammates face immense scrutiny and pressure to deliver.

Former drivers like Albon and Gasly described their experiences as emotionally exhausting, with Albon likening the experience to a “toll” on mental resilience. Lawson now faces a similar challenge, needing to prove himself while navigating a high-stakes environment.

Uncertain Future for Red Bull

With Perez’s decline and Lawson’s uphill battle, Brundle’s critique paints a troubling picture. Red Bull’s single-driver focus could jeopardize its competitive edge unless it rebalances its approach.

Brundle called for Red Bull to reconsider its Verstappen-first philosophy to build a more adaptable and resilient team, capable of weathering challenges in the long run.

Conclusion

Martin Brundle’s bold critique sheds light on Red Bull’s Verstappen-centric strategy, questioning whether short-term success is worth long-term instability. While Max Verstappen’s talent is undeniable, his dominance has created cracks in Red Bull’s foundation.

Red Bull now faces a pivotal moment—will it adapt to foster a stronger team dynamic, or continue down a path that risks future championships? For now, Brundle’s words serve as a stark warning that brilliance without balance can lead to downfall.