Ralf Schumacher claims Red Bull will ‘sink into mediocrity’ with Christian Horner within two years

The ex-F1 driver declared that the responsibility for the current situation lied completely on Christian Horner‘s shoulders. As the 50-year-old attempted to solidify his power despite the recent events. Ralf Schumacher reckoned that Newey’s exit would not be the end of Horner’s problems. The German believed that even Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko could depart the Austrian team.

The responsibility for what happens in Red Bull lies only with Horner, who is clinging to power with all his might. I don't think the problems are over for him once Newey leaves: Max Verstappen is already thinking about it, just like Helmut Marko. Ralf Schumacher explained

Schumacher claimed that if Horner continued as Red Bull Team Principal, the Austrian team would fall into mediocrity within the next two years.

I give Red Bull another two years. If Horner continues to hold on, the team will sink into mediocrity. I'm pretty sure. Ralf Schumacher asserted

Adrian Newey’s exit could have massive impact on Red Bull’s 2026 chances

Red Bull has refuted rumors of Newey declaring his interest of departing Milton Keynes. The aero-genius has a contract with the Austrian team at least till the end of 2025. As such, even if Newey decided to join a rival team, he might be put on gardening leave, preventing him from starting work till as late as early as 2027.

Former Aston Martin strategist Bernie Collins reckoned that Newey’s exit would have a crucial impact on Milton Keynes in 2026. With the onset of the new regulations, a power struggle within the team without strong technical leadership could force Red Bull down the pecking order.

In 2026 with the new regulations, if he is not working on that car and there is this internal power struggle within the team that is working on that car, despite how many great aerodynamics engineers that you have, you need the team working together and you need that leadership. Bernie Collins told Sky Sports News

Adrian Newey has not publicly commented on his future in F1 so far. However, it is clear that the aero-genius has no shortage of options if he decides to leave Red Bull. Newey undoubtedly knows his worth on the grid and might try a new project with a rival team if Christian Horner’s presence further negates his influence in the coming weeks.