Red Bull’s off-track story may soon enter a significant new chapter as senior advisor Helmut Marko concedes that a suspension ahead of the Australian Grand Prix is a “theoretical possibility.”
After Red Bull dismissed a case brought against team principal Christian Horner by a fellow employee, Jos Verstappen, the father of the team’s star driver Max Verstappen, publicly called for Horner’s resignation. Horner has been subjected to a barrage of questions from the media in Jeddah, where Formula 1 is currently based for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Helmut Marko could be suspended by Red Bull
Furthermore, it seems that Marko, who has led the team’s programming and acted as a senior advisor ever since their founding, might become involved in the dramas.
Marko acknowledged that there was a “theoretical possibility” that he would be suspended by Red Bull and miss the Australian Grand Prix, the round following Saudi Arabia, when the Austrian broadcaster ORF brought up the rumor.
After Marko said, “in the end, I decide for myself what I’m going to do,” the Austrian was questioned about whether Red Bull had given him the order or if he was making the decision on his own.
Marko emphasized that Red Bull needs and wants “calm in the team,” but he didn’t reveal much on that front.
Marko remarked, “It is such a complex issue.” “Again, we want to see and feel calm within the team.
“We should concentrate on that because this World Championship with 24 races will be challenging enough.”
As far as PlanetF1.com is aware, Red Bull GmbH, of which Marko works as an employee and not Red Bull Racing, is conducting an internal investigation as a result of multiple information leaks to the media since the start of the independent internal investigation into Christian Horner.
This includes looking into the purported information that was leaked in an email last week to hundreds of high-ranking Formula One employees, as well as the media, with the intention of embarrassing Horner. The email leak occurred just a day after Red Bull GmbH concluded their investigation into the F1 team manager.
Three-time World Champion Verstappen is another important player who has been connected to an exit during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend, which is concerning for Red Bull.
Horner has stated that he is “certain” Verstappen will finish his Red Bull contract, which expires at the end of 2028, but the Dutchman has not confirmed this or put an end to the rumors, even though a shock switch to Mercedes has been suggested.
Verstappen is Red Bull Racing’s “strongest asset,” and Marko emphasized that the team cannot afford to lose him.
“Max is the most valuable asset; there aren’t any faster drivers right now,” Marko remarked. That would be a tremendous loss if we lost him.
“Moreover, for the engineers and mechanics, who all aspire to work for Max.”
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