Surprising statement on TV
After the World Cup crime: Red Bull consultant makes people sit up and take notice with their statement
12/07/2025 – 5:47 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
The season finale in Formula 1 was tough. Despite first place in Abu Dhabi, Max Verstappen was only runner-up in the end. What’s next for Red Bull?
The impressive comeback came to an end without a World Cup title. Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s figurehead, won the day at the season finale in Abu Dhabi. But because World Championship leader Lando Norris came third and thus saved his narrow lead in the overall standings over time, Verstappen was “only” runner-up in the end.
In the coming season, the Dutchman will make another attempt to win his fifth world title. It is still unclear whether he will receive the support of Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko. After the race in Abu Dhabi, Marko left his own future open to presenter Peter Hardenacke on the Sky microphone.
“Helmut, thank you very much, have a good winter break, and then come back with good strength,” said Hardenacke at the end of the conversation with Marko, “thank you, and we’ll see each other again next year.” Marko then hesitated briefly and replied: “Maybe” – and left. The surprised Hardenacke tried to follow up directly: “Oh. I have to ask again now. Isn’t that clear yet?” asked the 50-year-old. But Marko just waved it off with a smile.
“Ralf, not that there will be another bad surprise,” the reporter then said to Sky expert Ralf Schumacher, “it would be a shame.” The ex-driver tried to calm down: “I think he accidentally said something quite casually. I think a lot of things are changing at Red Bull right now and that could be an indication,” explained Schumacher. “But it would be very, very sad if we lost Helmut as the voice of Red Bull.”