The Formula 1 world is in turmoil once again after a tumultuous weekend in Bahrain, where Red Bull team principal Christian Horner made an urgent statement about the team’s future. At the same time, the FIA ​​announced a late disqualification, further inflaming tempers. The combination of internal conflicts at Red Bull and the FIA’s controversial decision has captured the full attention of fans and experts. What exactly is going on, and how will it affect the dynamics of the 2025 championship?

The Bahrain Grand Prix was a disappointment for Red Bull, with Max Verstappen finishing only sixth due to persistent problems with the RB21. The car was struggling with balance, and Verstappen’s frustrations were clearly visible. After the race, Horner held an emergency meeting with the team, where he made a statement regarding the team’s direction, according to sources close to Red Bull. “We have to do everything we can to support Max,” Horner said, referring to the need to improve the car and restore calm to the team. The recent chaos surrounding Liam Lawson, who was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda after two races, has further increased tensions within Red Bull. Verstappen has openly expressed his displeasure with the decision, fueling speculation about his future with the team.

In his statement, Horner emphasized that Red Bull fully supports Verstappen and that the focus is on resolving the technical issues. He also highlighted the need to better integrate Tsunoda, who scored points in Bahrain with a ninth-place finish. However, the pressure on Horner appears to be mounting. Adrian Newey’s departure to Aston Martin and the inconsistent performance of the RB21 have raised questions about his leadership. According to Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle, Horner faces a crucial test: “If Red Bull want to keep Verstappen, they have to give him a car that can win.” With rivals Mercedes and McLaren performing better in Bahrain, the urgency is greater than ever.

Meanwhile, the FIA ​​added fuel to the fire with a late disqualification after the race in Bahrain. Nico Hülkenberg, who initially finished outside the points for Haas, was disqualified from the results because his car’s skid blocks were too worn. The FIA ​​measured a thickness of 8.4 mm, below the 9 mm required by Article 3.5.9 of the technical regulations. Haas admitted the error, and disqualification was inevitable. The decision follows another controversy surrounding George Russell, who was investigated for alleged illegal use of his DRS system due to a malfunction. However, the FIA ​​ruled that Russell did not deserve a penalty as the team had been allowed to activate it manually due to an external timing fault.

Hulkenberg’s disqualification and Russell’s acquittal drew mixed reactions. Verstappen, a longtime critic of the FIA’s inconsistency, called the rules “too arbitrary.” He referred to previous incidents, such as the disqualifications in China of Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Pierre Gasly for technical violations. “One time it’s a fine, another time it’s a disqualification. It’s hard to follow,” he said after the race. This frustration is shared by other drivers, including Lando Norris, who received a time penalty in Bahrain for a minor grid violation.

The FIA ​​is under pressure to clarify the regulations, especially with the stricter controls on flexi-wings introduced after Australia. Red Bull, which has historically exploited the gray areas of the rules, expressed its displeasure with the FIA’s late intervention through Horner. “We need clarity, not chaos,” he said, referring to the impact of unpredictable penalties on team preparation. However, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s recent warning, “The rules are there to be followed,” appears to have had little impact on the teams, who are demanding more transparency.

For Red Bull, the situation is precarious. With McLaren dominating the Constructors’ Championship and Mercedes closing in, the team cannot afford any more mistakes. Horner’s statement underscores the focus on Verstappen, but the question remains whether this will be enough to keep the four-time world champion happy. Rumors of a possible move to Mercedes or Aston Martin continue to circulate, especially with the looming rule changes for 2026. As Formula 1 prepares for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, all eyes are on Red Bull and the FIA. Can Horner restore calm, and can the FIA ​​stem the growing discontent? The tension in the paddock is palpable, and the season promises to bring many more fireworks.