Why Max Verstappen COULD leave Red Bull as 'toll' of power struggle put in focus

The power struggle at Red Bull will "take a toll" on Max Verstappen his exit is "not impossible".

That is according to F1 commentator David Croft reckons the ongoing power struggle at racing could "take a toll eventually" on the team. Red Bull enjoyed a strong start to the 2024 season, with Verstappen and Sergio Perez securing a 1-2 at the first two races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. But they were beaten by Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix last weekend, with Verstappen forced to retire after his car caught fire early in the race and Perez only finishing fifth.

And Red Bull's disappointing showing in Melbourne came against the backdrop of plenty of off-track controversy stemming from allegations of inappropriate behaviour by team principal Christian Horner, reports the Mirror. Horner was cleared by an independent investigation and his accuser was subsequently suspended, but she has since appealed the decision and lodged an official complaint with the FIA.

Red Bull have become engulfed in something of a power struggle over the scandal, with Verstappen's father Jos publicly calling for Horner to go while senior advisor Helmut Marko has also been involved in a dispute with Horner. Horner.

Croft has said that the drama away from the track might hurt Red Bull's performance this year. He told Fox Sports: "What seems to be a battle for power behind the scenes is taking place not to the detriment of their sporting performance at the moment. But if there's a lot going on the background that is grabbing the attention and draining the energy levels, that might take a toll eventually. It's a long, long season ahead."

There are whispers about Verstappen maybe leaving Red Bull. Croft thinks it would be surprising if Verstappen