Jacques Villeneuve says Red Bull has lost its sparkle

Former Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has warned that Red Bull faces a tough rebuild after losing key personnel and its competitive edge.

Villeneuve spoke on the Sky Sports F1 Show after the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. He stated that the team has "lost its sparkle" and described it as a "very political place" marked by internal strife.

The Canadian noted that Red Bull has parted ways with figures including Christian Horner, Jonathan Wheatley, Helmut Marko and Adrian Newey. He added that Max Verstappen remains the standout element alongside the team's engine.

Red Bull currently sits fourth in the constructors' standings. Villeneuve said the squad must settle its leadership issues before any recovery can begin.

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Max Verstappen was knocked out in Q2 during qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, securing only 11th place on the grid, while teammate Isack Hadjar starts eighth. The Red Bull driver described his RB22 as completely undriveable and voiced growing discontent with Formula 1's 2026 regulations, hinting at major life decisions. Jos Verstappen criticized the new era for prioritizing chaos over racing.

Max Verstappen has voiced growing discontent with Formula 1's 2026 regulations and his team's performance, hinting at potential thoughts of leaving the sport. Red Bull Racing team principal Laurent Mekies emphasized that the team's priority is enhancing the car's competitiveness to re-engage the four-time champion. Improvements are expected ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.

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Sky Sports' Martin Brundle has warned Red Bull of a tough task retaining Max Verstappen if the team's 2026 car struggles, building on the driver's prior criticisms of the new regulations and hints at an early exit. With big updates incoming at the Miami Grand Prix, Brundle stresses the need for competitiveness.

Red Bull Racing performed relatively well at the Australian Grand Prix but faced significant chassis issues in China and Japan. Drivers Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar described the car as difficult to handle, with Hadjar calling it 'undriveable' and dangerous at times in Suzuka. Team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged the need for deeper analysis ahead of upcoming races.

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Formula 1 commentator Alex Jacques likened Williams' poor beginning to the 2026 season to hyping a special family holiday for two years only to miss the flight. The team sits ninth in the constructors' standings with two points after three rounds. Expectations had been high following James Vowles' updates throughout 2025.

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McLaren driver Oscar Piastri stated that Max Verstappen leaving Formula 1 would not be a great look for the sport. Teammate Lando Norris agreed it would be a shame, though he expects Verstappen to stay for a fifth title. The comments come amid Verstappen's criticisms of the 2026 regulations.

 

 

 

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