The Formula 1 world has again been stored by an unexpected turn within the Red Bull Racing team. Team boss Christian Horner recently shared shocking news with world champion Max Verstappen about the findings of an internal investigation into the performance of the RB21, the car that had to fight rivals such as McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes this season. The revelations have not only set the dynamics within the team, but would also have made Verstappen furious with the engineers of Red Bull Racing.

According to reliable sources within the Paddock, the study was conducted after a series of disappointing results in the 2025 season. Although Red Bull dominated with Verstappen in recent years, the team has had difficulty keeping up with competition this year. The RB21, which was announced as an evolution of its predecessors, does not seem to deliver the hoped speed and reliability. The investigation, which was carried out in secret for weeks, revealed a number of critical shortcomings in the design and development of the car, ranging from aerodynamic inefficiencies to problems with the powertrain.

The findings have led to tensions within the team, in particular because Verstappen, known for his direct and passionate approach, puts the responsibility for these shortcomings directly with the engineers. Insiders report that the Dutchman, who chases his fourth world title, has not hid his frustrations. During a heated meeting, Verstappen would have expressed his displeasure that he was not fully informed of the problems during the development phase of the RB21. This lack of transparency has damaged his confidence in the technical team, something that is a rare and worrying development for a driver of his caliber.

Horner, who has had a close relationship with Verstappen for years, tried to appease the situation by emphasizing that the team makes every effort to solve the problems. He would have admitted that errors were made in the development process, but also point to the complexity of the new technical regulations that were in force in 2025. These regulations, aimed at sustainability and cost control, have challenged many teams, but Red Bull seems to have been particularly struck by the transition. Horner promised that action would be taken immediately, with upgrades that are already in the pipeline for the upcoming races.

Yet it seems that the gap between Verstappen and the technical staff will not be easy to bridge. The Dutchman, known for his uncompromising attitude, would have demanded that headlines are rolling within the technical team. Although Horner has publicly expressed his support for the engineers, there is speculation about possible personnel changes in the Paddock. Adrian Newey, the legendary designer who announced earlier this year that he would leave Red Bull, is node missed. His departure has left a vacuum in technical management, and critics suggest that this is one of the causes of the current problems.

For Verstappen, who is used to fighting for victories, the situation is extra frustrating because this season he was already confronted with mechanical bad luck and strategic blunders this season. His rivals, such as Lando Norris van McLaren and Charles Leclerc from Ferrari, have eagerly used Red Bulls weakness, making the championship more exciting than ever. With a few more races, Verstappen is under immense pressure to defend his title, but the RB21 seems to abandon him.