The Formula 1 power struggle at Red Bull has taken the next turn. One that Max Verstappen doesn’t like at all. What he says is more than just a message to the bosses.
Max Verstappen has warned the bosses at Red Bull of possible drastic consequences if long-time motorsport consultant Helmut Marko leaves the company early.
“Without him in the team, I think there will be a problem, even for myself,” said Verstappen in the Formula 1 paddock in Saudi Arabia. He will “absolutely” stand up for Marko. What that could look like will become apparent next week, Verstappen explained.
| placement | Driver, teamdriver | team | Victories | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15. |  Alexander AlbonWilliams | Williams | 0 | 0 |
| 16. |  Nico HulkenbergHaas | Haas | 0 | 0 |
| 17. |  Esteban OconAlpine | Alpine | 0 | 0 |
| 18. |  Pierre GaslyAlpine | Alpine | 0 | 0 |
| 19. |  Valtteri BottasClean | Clean | 0 | 0 |
| placement | Team, driverteam | driver | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  Red BullM. Verstappen, S. Pérez | M. Verstappen, S. Pérez | 87 |
| 2. |  FerrariC. Leclerc, C. Sainz | C. Leclerc, C. Sainz | 49 |
| 3. |  McLarenL. Norris, O. Piastri | L. Norris, O. Piastri | 28 |
| 4. |  MercedesL. Hamilton, G. Russell | L. Hamilton, G. Russell | 26 |
| 5. | Aston MartinF. Alonso, L. Stroll | F. Alonso, L. Stroll | 13 |
When asked whether it could come down to either the two of them or neither, Verstappen replied in the mixed zone after his pole position on the high-speed circuit in Jeddah: “Of course we will talk about it.” He said every year that “everyone at Red Bull knows that, for me, Helmut always has to be there,” explained Verstappen. And if not: “Then maybe we have a big problem in the team.”
Marko had hinted at his possible suspension in an interview with ORF. “The theoretical possibility always exists,” he had said. However, Marko added that he decides for himself what he will do. A conversation this Saturday, when the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix takes place, should bring clarity. Above all, it could bring the next serious shocks to Formula 1.
Marko is Horner’s opponent
What exactly Marko is accused of that would justify a suspension remained unclear for the time being. It is now clearer than ever that Marko is team boss Christian Horner’s opponent in the power struggle of the world champion racing team.
The 80-year-old Austrian was a close confidant of the company’s founder Dietrich Mateschitz, who died in October 2022. Like Horner, he has been there since joining Red Bull in 2005 and is considered an important supporter of successful drivers such as Verstappen, but also Sebastian Vettel, who from 2010 onwards won the World Cup four times in a row with Red Bull.
Verstappen has three titles in a row. It is practically impossible to imagine it continuing like this without Marko. “What we have achieved together goes back a long way and my loyalty to him is great,” emphasized Verstappen. “He is an important part of my decisions, also regarding the future of the team.”
When questions were asked about team boss Horner at the start in Bahrain a week ago, Verstappen’s comments were more reserved. The 50-year-old Brit had been accused of inappropriate behavior by an employee, but after an independent investigation the complaint was dismissed by the parent company. Anonymous emails with files on the matter were then sent to media representatives, but also team bosses and Formula 1 bosses. In addition, Max Verstappen’s father Jos had called for Horner to end as team boss.
A departure from Marko would be a serious blow for Max Verstappen. A move to Mercedes, where Lewis Hamilton’s place will be freed by his move to Ferrari after this season, could actually come true.