A new theory is gaining traction regarding why Red Bull's performance has been declining throughout the 2024 season.
Commenting after his son Max finished more than 20 seconds behind McLaren's Lando Norris at Zandvoort, Jos Verstappen believes that Red Bull has lost its way amid internal upheaval within the management team.
"Now it is up to (Christian) Horner to get the team back on track," he told Bild newspaper. "I'll be surprised if he does. A lot has to happen for that. The whole spirit has to change."
Several key members have departed Red Bull amidst the recent turmoil, including Adrian Newey and, more recently, Jonathan Wheatley. Another theory suggests that a crucial innovation on Red Bull's 2024 car had to be removed.
Prior to the Dutch GP, the FIA issued a technical directive that immediately banned asymmetrical braking systems. When asked at Zandvoort if this ban affected the team, Max Verstappen firmly responded with a "no."
"I don't know where that comes from," said the three-time world champion, "but we don't have that on the car, so we're not worried about it."
Despite the denial, the speculation persists.
"A lot is being said about these systems," Spanish commentator Antonio Lobato told DAZN.
"At first, it was insinuated that this was possibly what the Red Bull team was allegedly banned from doing throughout the season. This was then denied. The FIA said that they had not banned it because someone was using it. But there are rumours that there was not only one team using it," he added.
"In any case, if directives are issued it is because the FIA has seen something or foreseen something."
Former Ferrari senior engineer Toni Cuquerella added his thoughts: "Or because someone told the FIA what was happening. Someone could have sent the information to the FIA, saying 'Hey, this could be happening'. Then, the FIA issues a directive to prevent it from happening," Cuquerella concluded.
