“Situation escalates”, Marko facing off?
Formula 1 racing team Red Bull is threatened with a big bang
March 8, 2024, 8:09 p.m
Things are “escalating” at the Red Bull Formula 1 racing team: Although things are going sporty, there is no calm in the scandal surrounding team boss Christian Horner. Now, according to the media, advisor Helmut Marko is about to be eliminated. This threatens to create a “domino effect” and Max Verstappen could move at the end of the season.
According to RTL/ntv information, the influential motorsport consultant Helmut Marko could be about to be replaced in the power struggle at the Formula 1 team Red Bull. Other media reports agree. The 80-year-old Austrian, a confidant of world champion Max Verstappen and his sponsor, was evasive about the speculation about a suspension in Saudi Arabia: “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 a clarifying conversation on Saturday in Jeddah.
“The situation at Red Bull Racing is escalating,” said motorsport expert Felix Görner, summarizing the current tensions in Verstappen’s racing team. The ntv/RTL sports reporter explains that in the clarifying conversation, either Marko’s side, and therefore Verstappen’s, would win, or Christian Horner’s side would win.
The affair surrounding team boss 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. The employee is now said to have been suspended.
Marko as Horner’s adversary
“Horner asks the question of power,” said Görner, and this would now be clarified by Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff. Should Marko (have to) leave the team, according to Görner, “a domino effect” would likely occur and Verstappen could leave Red Bull at the end of the season. 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.
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.”