Ralf Schumacher says ‘there’s something seriously wrong’ at Red Bull after Adrian Newey exit

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Ralf Schumacher says Red Bull ‘urgently’ need to strengthen their technical department after questioning Pierre Wache’s credentials. Wache has taken charge after long-time designer Adrian Newey left in 2024.

Wache may have saved his job in the second half of last season by delivering a transformative upgrade that energised Max Verstappen’s title bid. Verstappen eventually finished just two points behind the two McLarens, having been over 100 points adrift at Red Bull’s lowest ebb.

But now, after a dismal start to the new regulations, Wache is under pressure again. 16 points is Red Bull’s worst return after three races since the 2015 season.

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Ralf Schumacher says Pierre Wache has created ‘disaster’ car

Schumacher questioned Wache last year, and Red Bull’s ‘disaster’ 2026 car has only heightened his concerns. He doesn’t want to see the team sack him outright, but says they need to give him more support.

Red Bull’s chief designer Craig Skinner left the team on the eve of the new season, but the team have not announced any plans to replace him.

Schumacher said Verstappen has been off track more than ever in the early rounds, exposing the car’s profound handling problems. It’s believed that the majority of Red Bull’s deficit to Mercedes stems from their chassis, rather than their engine.

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“From my point of view, the shoes are too big for him,” Schumacher told Sky Germany. “I wouldn’t say that he should be completely replaced in the team. I think we need to look at bringing in someone. Good people, either experienced or young people.

“Now Red Bull urgently needs to fill this gap. Because obviously the car is a disaster. How often have we seen Max Verstappen off the track now? That never happened before. I think there’s something seriously wrong behind the scenes.”

Adrian Newey to Aston Martin – no winners, only losers

At this stage, it’s looking like neither party benefited from Newey’s exit. Aston Martin’s problems are even more severe, with the Silverstone outfit sinking to last place in the constructors’.

While he has expressed confidence in his design, Newey’s chassis is partly to blame for Aston’s struggles.

The 67-year-old was thrust into a team principal position he didn’t seem to particularly want after an internal power struggle with Andy Cowell. Until the team’s desired replacement, likely Jonathan Wheatley, arrives, he will be stuck in that role.

Newey’s relationship with Christian Horner became strained in his final years at Red Bull, but he clearly misses having the freedom to focus on car design.