Max Verstappen Declared Red Bull’s ‘Absolute Leader’ Amid Team Turmoil!

Red Bull has suffered from a rocky start to the new regulations in the 2026 season. The team has developed its own power units for the upcoming season, and the journey certainly hasn’t been an easy one. Now, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher opens up on how Max Verstappen will be the deciding factor for the team’s success or failure in the 2026 season.

The 2026 F1 regulations have been frowned upon by many in the community. Many drivers have raised far from ideal opinions about the rules and how they are overly complex. Moreover, Red Bull has undergone a massive personnel change right ahead of the new regulations. As such, Max Verstappen seems to be the chain holding everything together at Milton Keynes.

Ralf Schumacher reckons that following the personnel change, the ‘calm’ has returned to Red Bull. He continued that Max Verstappen had declared himself as the absolute team lead amid all the chaos. Schumacher pointed out that a crucial figure, the chief designer Adrian Newey, had left the team. However, the constructor was used to design and build cars, with Newey not playing a key role in the development.

I think some calm has returned, Verstappen has found his position as an absolute team leader, and not every driver can do that. Now, of course, a designer [Adrian Newey] has left, but he seemed to be active in the background before, so that shouldn’t be a problem.

Ralf Schumacher said on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast.

Ralf Schumacher recalled how Christian Horner remained optimistic about Red Bull’s power units for the 2026 season onwards. The team’s entire project seemed to depend on Horner up until the time he left the team, after which they recovered well. Now, Schumacher highlighted that Milton Keynes had attracted good people to the team and was looking forward to a strong showing under the new regulations.

We’ve talked about it before: Christian Horner wasn’t far off when he said the engine works. That whole subject was under his direction until recently. Apparently, they have attracted good people there. Then you have the influence of Ford, which joined more or less voluntarily, especially on the electronic side. That also runs very harmoniously. 

Ralf Schumacher added.

Ralf Schumacher claims Red Bull and Max Verstappen ‘radiate enthusiasm’

Certainly, Red Bull wouldn’t sugarcoat their situation and hope for a magical start to the 2026 season. Max Verstappen and Co. will have to manage expectations leading to the new regulations. Schumacher recalled Peter Bayer‘s positive comments over the entire Ford project and how they were looking forward to the challenge.

Ralf Schumacher pointed out that Peter Bayer and both Red Bull teams remained enthusiastic about Ford’s ambition in motorsports. The German believes that the collaboration between the two entities would be beneficial. Moreover, Schumacher pointed out that the 2026 season could showcase a three-way battle between the teams, as even McLaren seemed to have developed a competitive challenge.

We remember the interview with Peter Bayer, who was very enthusiastic about the way Ford works: familial, really motorsport and down-to-earth. That’s actually exactly what Red Bull also radiates, and that’s why I think it’s going to be a great collaboration. I would almost say it will be a nice three-way battle, because I’m not sure where McLaren stands either. I’m curious to see where they really come out.

Ralf Schumacher noted.

The 2026 season is shaping up to be extremely exciting so far. Many teams have put forth some impressive designs with their challengers and are looking upto the challenge. Red Bull will definitely be the team to watch closely as they aim to start the season on the best possible note.

Read More: Lando Norris Confesses Oscar Piastri Will ‘Make His Life Hell’ in 2026 Season

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