Schumacher Blasts Horner: Harsh Criticism Revealed

A scathing Ralf Schumacher has torn into Christian Horner and Helmut Marko after Red Bull’s shocking decision to drop Liam Lawson after just two races in 2025.

“Horner has screwed up!” the former F1 driver declared.

The drama unfolded when Red Bull demoted Lawson back to Racing Bulls after only two Grands Prix, promoting Yuki Tsunoda to partner Max Verstappen instead. The sudden switch will take effect at Tsunoda’s home Japanese Grand Prix next weekend.

Lawson had initially been chosen over Tsunoda to replace Sergio Perez for 2025, despite having competed in just 11 F1 races. But his difficult start to the season prompted Red Bull’s notoriously ruthless management to pull the plug almost immediately.

The decision has sparked outrage among fans and F1 analysts.

Schumacher, who won six Grands Prix during his career, didn’t hold back while speaking on Sky Sports Germany’s podcast ‘Backstage Boxengasse.’

He took aim at both team principal Horner and Red Bull advisor Marko, saying the latter is “playing a fatal role” in the team’s decisions.

“Red Bull was once a top team – today it’s sinking into mediocrity,” Schumacher said. “What would the late Dietrich Mateschitz say about that?”

It’s a pointed reference to Red Bull’s founder who passed away in October 2022. Under Mateschitz’s leadership, the team enjoyed tremendous success and stability.

Since his death, Horner has taken control with backing from Thai shareholders. This power shift seems to be at the heart of Schumacher’s criticism.

“No stone will be left unturned! Horner has screwed up!” he continued, suggesting that the Brit’s “personal power games have torn the team apart.”

Schumacher also blamed Horner’s leadership for the departure of key figures like Adrian Newey, the design genius who recently announced his exit from the team.

“Now he’s getting his comeuppance. A huge problem!” Schumacher concluded.