Ralf Schumacher has raised concerns about Red Bull’s technical setup, suggesting the team needs urgent reinforcement and questioning Pierre Wache’s credentials following Adrian Newey’s departure in 2024.
Wache may have kept his job by introducing a major upgrade late last season that revitalised Max Verstappen’s title challenge. Verstappen closed to within two points of the McLaren drivers, having trailed by over 100 points earlier in the year.
But with Red Bull collecting just 16 points from their first three races under new regulations – their worst start since 2015 – questions are once again being asked about Wache’s position.
Ralf Schumacher says Pierre Wache has created ‘disaster’ car
Schumacher had already raised doubts about Wache last season, and Red Bull’s poor start to 2026 has only added to his worries. While he’s not calling for Wache to be dismissed, he does think the team needs to give him more help.
Red Bull hasn’t made any moves yet. Verstappen says that the car is noticeably difficult, with Red Bull’s issues looking more like a chassis problem than an engine one.
“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’s move to Aston Martin hasn’t paid off
So far, it doesn’t look like either side has benefited from Newey’s departure. Aston Martin’s issues are even more pronounced, with the team currently bottom of the constructors’ standings.
Even though Newey has backed his design publicly, the chassis he built is part of what’s holding Aston back. He found himself in a role he hadn’t asked for after an internal power struggle with Andy Cowell, and until Jonathan Wheatley or another replacement comes in, he’ll have to see it through.
The split with Christian Horner was not the most amicable, but since moving on, Newey seems to be missing the chance to focus purely on car development.
