Red Bull in turmoil: Max Verstappen’s Power Grab Sparks Civil War as Yuki Tsunoda Set for Stunning Promotion

Formula 1 has never been short of drama, but what’s currently unfolding inside Red Bull Racing is more than just an internal struggle—it’s an all-out power war that could change the team forever. While the 2025 driver market is still taking shape, shocking new reports suggest that Max Verstappen is pulling the strings behind the scenes, leading to serious tensions between him and Red Bull’s leadership.

At the heart of the issue? The future of Sergio Pérez and an unexpected push for Yuki Tsunoda to join Red Bull’s top team. Verstappen, the reigning three-time world champion, is rumored to be exerting his influence in a way that no other driver has done before, essentially reshaping the team to fit his own vision.

Could this lead to the downfall of Red Bull’s dominance, or is this just the beginning of a Verstappen-controlled empire? And most importantly—why is Yuki Tsunoda suddenly the leading candidate for a move that no one saw coming?

Max Verstappen’s Growing Influence—Is He Taking Over Red Bull?

Since winning his first championship in 2021, Max Verstappen’s power within Red Bull has grown exponentially. While he was once simply the team’s biggest asset on the track, he is now reportedly making decisions that extend far beyond the cockpit.

Sources close to Red Bull suggest that Verstappen has become increasingly frustrated with Sergio Pérez, whose inconsistent performances have cost the team valuable constructors’ points. While Pérez has played a key role in helping Red Bull secure multiple team championships, his inability to consistently challenge Verstappen has made him an easy target for replacement rumors.

But the real twist? Instead of pushing for an established driver like Daniel Ricciardo or Lando Norris, Verstappen is backing an unexpected candidate—Yuki Tsunoda.

This move, if true, would completely shake up the F1 driver market. Many expected that Red Bull would opt for a more experienced and marketable driver, yet Verstappen is reportedly looking for a teammate who won’t challenge his authority within the team.

Why Yuki Tsunoda?

For years, Yuki Tsunoda has been considered an exciting but inconsistent talent in Formula 1. Since his debut in 2021 with AlphaTauri (now Visa Cash App RB), he has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to score a podium. However, the 2024 season has been a turning point for the young Japanese driver.

Insiders believe there are three major reasons why Tsunoda could be Verstappen’s preferred choice:

Honda Connection—With Honda continuing to play a vital role in Red Bull’s engine development, having a Japanese driver in the top team could further solidify the relationship between Red Bull and Honda. This could be crucial for Red Bull’s long-term stability, especially with Ford set to join in 2026.

A Perfect No. 2 Driver—Unlike Ricciardo or Norris, Tsunoda is unlikely to demand equal treatment within the team. Verstappen reportedly wants a clear No. 1/No. 2 structure, something that Pérez has resisted in the past.

Tsunoda’s Rapid Improvement—While he has been criticized for inconsistency, Tsunoda has made huge strides in 2024, frequently outpacing his teammate Daniel Ricciardo and showing strong racecraft. His aggressive style, coupled with his willingness to be a team player, makes him an attractive choice for Red Bull.

If Red Bull takes the gamble and promotes Tsunoda, it would be one of the most surprising moves in F1 history, reshaping the power dynamics within the sport.

The Civil War Inside Red Bull—Horner vs. Marko vs. Verstappen

The rumored power struggle within Red Bull is no longer just speculation—it is now becoming a full-blown war between key figures within the team.

Sources close to Red Bull suggest that Verstappen has become increasingly frustrated with Sergio Pérez, whose inconsistent performances have cost the team valuable constructors’ points. While Pérez has played a key role in helping Red Bull secure multiple team championships, his inability to consistently challenge Verstappen has made him an easy target for replacement rumors.

At the center of the battle are three major forces:

Christian Horner (Team Principal)—Horner has long supported Sergio Pérez and believes keeping Pérez provides stability. He is not convinced that Tsunoda is ready for the main Red Bull team and reportedly prefers bringing back Daniel Ricciardo, who has a proven track record with Red Bull.

Dr. Helmut Marko (Red Bull’s Driver Development Boss)— Marko, known for taking risks on young drivers, appears to be siding with Verstappen. He has always favored promoting from within rather than hiring outside drivers. If Marko has his way, Tsunoda could shock the world with a move to the top Red Bull seat.

Max Verstappen—Verstappen’s support for Tsunoda has put him in direct conflict with Horner. While Verstappen does not make official decisions, his opinion carries enormous weight. Red Bull executives are now being forced to decide between backing their superstar driver or sticking with their own vision for the team’s future.

This power dynamic is dangerous, and if it isn’t handled properly, it could cause a massive rift within Red Bull.

What Happens Next?

With Red Bull’s dominance in question and the internal war escalating, the future of the team hangs in the balance.

If Sergio Pérez holds onto his seat, it will prove that Christian Horner still controls the team. However, if Yuki Tsunoda gets promoted, it will be clear that Verstappen is calling the shots, marking the beginning of a new era of driver control in Formula 1.

But this power struggle has larger consequences beyond just Red Bull. If Tsunoda moves up, it will create a ripple effect across the F1 driver market. Daniel Ricciardo, Liam Lawson, and other drivers will be scrambling to find new seats, leading to one of the wildest off-seasons in F1 history.

One thing is certain—Red Bull’s dominance is no longer guaranteed. The combination of internal conflict, Verstappen’s growing influence, and the fight for the second Red Bull seat could result in the biggest shake-up the team has ever seen.

As the Formula 1 season continues, all eyes will be on Red Bull. Will Verstappen get his way, or will Horner fight back and keep the team under control? The answer could change not just Red Bull’s future, but the entire landscape of Formula 1 itself.