Recently there was speculation that Helmut Marko would be leaving the Formula 1 team. Now a decision has been made – and the Austrian announced it himself.
The power struggle at the Red Bull Formula 1 team is entering the next round – but the next victim has not yet appeared: contrary to reports to the contrary on Friday, motorsport consultant Helmut Marko does not have to leave. The Austrian announced this himself on Saturday before the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Previously there was a conversation with Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff.
“I’ll continue here,” said Marko on Sky. “It was a very good conversation. Of course there has to be calm back in the team. That’s a priority. We agreed on all points. The term of my contract is still three years. But as I said: there has to be calm.”
The 80-year-old, a confidant of world champion Max Verstappen, made an evasive statement about the speculation about a suspension in Saudi Arabia on Friday: “The theoretical possibility always exists.” However, Marko added that he decides for himself what he will do. On the TV channel Sky he referred to the clarifying conversation with Mintzlaff on Saturday. This has now happened.
The affair surrounding team boss Christian Horner, who was accused of inappropriate behavior by an employee, has been simmering at Red Bull for weeks. After an internal investigation by the company, the woman’s complaint was dismissed and Horner was allowed to remain in office. Because anonymous emails with juicy material appeared shortly afterwards, the Brit once again found himself in need of explanation.
Verstappen could potentially leave Red Bull
Marko is seen as Horner’s internal adversary, who is supported by the Thai majority owners of Red Bull. “There are so many rumors. I don’t really want to say anything about it,” said former racing driver Marko on Sky. He said on ORF: “We want peace in the team. This World Cup will be difficult enough with 24 races, we have to concentrate on that.”
A Marko suspension could have had far-reaching consequences for Red Bull. Because then Max Verstappen’s future at the racing team would also have been at stake. The Dutchman apparently has a clause in his contract, which runs until 2028, that allows him to leave at the end of the season if Marko leaves. Because Verstappen’s father Jos recently spoke clearly against Horner, there was already speculation that the three-time champion would move to Mercedes.