Scandal in Formula 1! Red Bull in crisis after the goodbye of Czech Pérez and the rumors about Verstappen
Formula 1 is living one of its most convulsive moments of 2025, and Red Bull is in the epicenter of the storm. Sergio “Czech” Pérez’s departure from the Austrian team, the surprising lack of competitiveness of Yuki Tsunoda and rumors about a possible interest of Mercedes by Max Verstappen have unleashed a whirlwind of speculation that shakes the foundations of the champion team. What is really happening in Milton Keynes? The answer could change the course of the season.
Red Bull’s decision to do without Czech Pérez, although he was still a year of contract, it has turned out to be a monumental error. The Mexican pilot, known for his consistency and his ability to add crucial points, was first replaced by Liam Lawson, who barely lasted two races before being discarded after not adding points. Then, Yuki Tsunoda took the steering wheel, but his performance has been disappointing. With only seven points in eight races, the Japanese has failed to approach the level of Verstappen, leaving Red Bull in a vulnerable position in the World Cup in Builders. Czech’s shadow continues to chase the team, and each race seems to show that its dismissal was a failed bet.
Helmut Marko, sports advisor at Red Bull, has been one of the main ones indicated by this decision. For years, Marko publicly criticized Pérez, even in his best moments, while now he defends Tsunoda with a much more indulgent tone. This unequal treatment has generated criticism inside and outside the paddock, with many arguing that Czech’s departure was more a personal issue than sports. Christian Horner, head of the team, has also tried to justify the commitment to Tsunoda, highlighting that Japanese needs time to adapt. However, Horner’s words sound less and less convincing, especially when the current yield with the 85 points that Pérez accumulated in the first five races of 2024 is compared.
While Red Bull struggles to stabilize his second seat, rumors about Max Verstappen’s future have added more firewood to the fire. Sources close to Formula 1 suggest that Mercedes, in search of a star pilot to lead his project, has put his eyes on the tetracampeon. The idea of Verstappen leaving Red Bull seemed unthinkable a few months ago, but the instability of the team, added to the exit of key figures such as Adrian Newey, has opened the door to speculation. Verstappen, visibly frustrated after a disastrous Grand Prix of Spain, where he only added one point, has not denied rumors, which has fired the alarms in the Austrian team.
The Red Bull crisis is not limited to the results on the track. Internally, the team seems to be fractured. The relationship between Horner and Marko has been tense for years, and Pérez’s departure has exacerbated divisions. While Horner insists that the problem lies in the development of the car, Marko seems more focused on finding a pilot who does not try to compete directly with Verstappen. This lack of cohesion has led Red Bull to a critical point, with McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes approaching dangerously in the championship.
In the midst of this chaos, the figure of Czech Pérez continues to resonate. Since his departure, the Mexican has maintained a low profile, but his legacy in Red Bull is undeniable. With historical victories such as Monaco in 2022 and a key role in the 2022 and 2023 builders titles, Pérez proved to be much more than a simple Verstappen companion. Now, with rumors of a possible return to Formula 1 with another team, such as Cadillac, fans wonder if Red Bull will ever admit their mistake.
The 2025 season is far from finishing, but Red Bull faces an unprecedented challenge. Czech’s refusal to return, Tsunoda’s low performance and Mercedes’s interest in Verstappen are only the tip of the iceberg. Can the team recover its domain, or are we witnessing the twilight of an era? Formula 1 has never been so unpredictable, and the next great prizes promise strong emotions.
