P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Gerhard Berger believes the off-track saga that plagued Red Bull at the start of the 2024 F1 season could have been “the beginning of the end”.
Red Bull and Berger have a longstanding relationship, dating back to 1989 when Berger became the first F1 driver sponsored by the energy drinks company. Berger later became co-owner of Red Bull’s sister team Toro Rosso in 2006, selling his share back in 2008 but maintaining historical ties with founder Dietrich Mateschitz. When CEO Christian Horner faced misconduct allegations in 2024, Berger was a notable figure to offer insights, noting the importance of team unity in Formula 1 success. Despite the allegations being cleared, speculation arose about power struggles within Red Bull, with Jos Verstappen expressing concerns. Berger suggested that the off-track saga had lingering effects on communication within the team, pointing to the Sergio Perez contract situation as an example. He highlighted a perceived lack of clear communication, contrasting it with the clarity Mateschitz brought to the team in the past. Despite the challenges, Horner reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull, showing resilience in the face of the turmoil.
