McLaren predict Red Bull ‘fractures’ under F1 title pressure

McLaren CEO Zak Brown is expecting “fractures” will begin to appear at Red Bull in the near future as other teams mount a title challenge.

Red Bull has enjoyed a strong period of success of late, cruising to double-championship success in 2022 and 2023.

It appeared to be heading to another unchallenged run to the title this year, however Red Bull has faced an increased challenge from rival teams, including McLaren.

The Woking-based squad currently sits 78 points down on Red Bull in the constructors' championship.

Red Bull will be without the services of Adrian Newey from early next year, while rumours are swirling regarding Max Verstappen's future within the team - leading Brown to suggest the unrest could impact the stability at the outfit.

“I think the turmoil will have more of a mid to longer-term impact,” Brown told media including RacingNews365. 

“This car was done last year, what they’re racing now was done when everything was fine.

“I think it's more of 2026, when you got a new engine coming, what's going on with the driver front, I think that's where you potentially are going to see the lack of stability that appears to be there maybe coming through a little bit.

“Winning holds things together and as that becomes more of a challenge for them, I think that’s when you might see some more fractures in various relationships inside that camp.”

Red Bull reached 'terminal velocity' quicker than others

McLaren returned to the top step of the podium earlier this year at the Miami Grand Prix, where Lando Norris bagged his first race victory.

It is continuing its strong upward trajectory in development that began midway through last season, while Mercedes has also increased its threat by winning the previous two rounds.

Brown suggested Red Bull sprung out of the gates faster than their rivals, leading to a more difficult development path as the regulation cycle enters its final stages. 

“My opinion as opposed to fact, I think they got to terminal velocity, if you'd like, quicker than the rest of us,” Brown said,

“And there does come a point of diminishing returns as far as just how much you can continue to develop a car.

“I think, credit to them, they got their first and now we're all caught up or almost caught up.”