Turmoil before Japan GP

Foul play and power gains at Red Bull

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, events away from the race track continue to make the headlines. Once again, Red Bull - in particular team boss Christian Horner - is playing the leading role ...

The classic in Suzuka is one of the most popular Formula 1 circuits among drivers and fans alike. 220,000 spectators flocked to the Japanese weekend a year ago, and a mass rush is also guaranteed from Friday (first practice at 4.30 am CEST). In sporting terms, everything is once again set for Max Verstappen. The Dutchman won two of the first three races of the season (although Carlos Sainz Jr. triumphed most recently in Melbourne), and Super Max is aiming for a hat-trick of wins in Suzuka after 2022 and 2023. However, the issue surrounding team principal Christian Horner still has Verstappen's Red Bull squad firmly in its grip.

Internal power struggle
The supposedly independent lawyer who investigated the case and acquitted Horner is said to have close ties to Red Bull's majority owner Chalerm Yoovidhia. The law firm is said to be the legal representative of the Yoovidhya family in London. The Thais (and Horner with them) are also said to be gaining more and more ground in the internal power struggle at Red Bull. These are explosive developments that could have consequences for the "Austrian side" and many projects such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Spielberg.

In view of the many construction sites and "wraps", the rumor of a premature departure of Verstappen at the end of the season is also constantly simmering. Currently, there is much speculation about a transfer to Mercedes (as Lewis Hamilton's successor) or even Aston Martin. Sainz or Fernando Alonso could then inherit the vacant Red Bull seat.