Damon Hill Claims Red Bull Is ‘Run by the Verstappen Family’, Expresses Concern Over Sainz’s Future
Former Formula 1 World Champion Damon Hill has made headlines with bold comments suggesting that Red Bull Racing is heavily influenced if not controlled by the Verstappen family. In a recent interview, Hill also voiced concern for Carlos Sainz, implying that joining Red Bull could be politically risky for the Spanish driver. The remarks have reignited debate over team power dynamics and the balance of influence in F1’s top squads.
Hill’s Controversial Remarks
Speaking during a broadcast interview, 1996 F1 world champion Damon Hill didn’t hold back when discussing the current state of Red Bull Racing. According to Hill, the team’s direction and internal decisions are being shaped not just by performance metrics—but by the overwhelming influence of Max Verstappen and his father Jos Verstappen.
“It feels like Red Bull is not just a team built around Max—it’s being run by the Verstappen family,” Hill said. “If you’re a driver coming into that environment, especially someone like Carlos Sainz, you’ve got to ask yourself: do I really have a future here, or am I just a placeholder?”
Hill’s comments came amid swirling rumors linking Carlos Sainz to a potential Red Bull seat in 2025, once his contract with Ferrari expires following Lewis Hamilton’s arrival.
The Verstappen Influence
Max Verstappen’s dominance on the track is unquestionable. Since 2021, he has emerged as the sport’s most formidable force, winning multiple championships and reshaping Red Bull’s performance expectations.
However, Hill and others have pointed to Verstappen’s off-track influence as well. His father Jos, a former F1 driver himself, has been visibly involved in team politics, occasionally criticizing management decisions and stirring controversy.
The recent tension between Jos Verstappen and team principal Christian Horner—particularly during the 2024 pre-season—fueled speculation about a power struggle within the Red Bull camp. Rumors even emerged that Max Verstappen had an exit clause in his contract, linked to the presence of Helmut Marko or Horner in the team’s leadership.
“When a driver’s entourage starts to affect management decisions, that’s no longer a normal team dynamic,” Hill added. “It’s a dynasty—and dynasties don’t share power easily.”
What This Means for Carlos Sainz
Carlos Sainz, currently one of the most consistent performers on the grid, finds himself in a delicate position. With Lewis Hamilton confirmed at Ferrari for 2025 and Charles Leclerc staying on, Sainz must seek a new home—and Red Bull has reportedly shown interest.
But Damon Hill believes that any new driver entering Red Bull’s structure will be automatically cast in a subordinate role.
“Carlos is a smart guy. He knows he’d be second fiddle,” Hill said. “And when your teammate is not just the number one, but the son of a man with influence at the highest level, it becomes political—fast.”
Sainz has previously raced alongside Verstappen at Toro Rosso during their rookie years, but the relationship between the two was notably strained. Verstappen was promoted to Red Bull first, and the tension reportedly played a role in Sainz’s eventual departure from the Red Bull system.
Red Bull’s Response: Silence So Far
Neither Red Bull Racing nor the Verstappen camp has responded publicly to Hill’s remarks, though the topic has quickly gained traction across the paddock.
Insiders close to the team have downplayed claims of internal imbalance, insisting that Christian Horner, Helmut Marko, and Adrian Newey maintain ultimate authority over racing decisions. Still, the optics of Verstappen’s growing leverage are difficult to ignore—especially as rumors circulate that Red Bull is trying to convince Max to remain amid possible interest from Mercedes.
The Bigger Picture: Team vs Driver Power
Hill’s comments strike at a deeper issue within Formula 1: the evolving balance between team control and driver influence. In past eras, even the most talented drivers were still subject to team hierarchies. Today, however, stars like Verstappen, Hamilton, and Alonso wield immense personal power—commercially, politically, and technically.
“It’s not just about speed anymore,” Hill concluded. “It’s about control. And at Red Bull, Max has it.”
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for Sainz?
Damon Hill’s statements have added a new layer of intrigue to the 2025 driver market. For Carlos Sainz, the message is clear: if Red Bull is indeed shaped by Verstappen family interests, joining the team may come with strings attached.
In a sport where political dynamics are often as important as race pace, Sainz—and any driver considering Red Bull—will have to weigh not just the opportunity, but the environment.
Is Red Bull still the most dominant team on merit? Or has it become, as Hill suggests, a kingdom with only one crown?