Helmut Marko said on ORF about a possible suspension in the wake of the Horner case. “It’s difficult to judge. The theoretical possibility always exists,” said the 80-year-old Styrian, a close confidant of the late company founder Dietrich Mateschitz, on Friday. “Ultimately I decide what I do. It’s such a complex issue.”
In any case, superstar and three-time world champion Verstappen also had a clear opinion about Marko’s possible end at Red Bull in the ORF interview: “I didn’t expect Helmut to say that. Without him in the team, there will be a problem, including for me. I always had a lot of trust in Helmut.”
Marko will probably be at Red Bull before the end
In the power struggle at the Austrian-British Formula 1 racing team Red Bull Racing, there are rumors that motorsport consultant Helmut Marko will be suspended.
“Helmut always has to be there”
The Dutchman demanded respect for Marko and made it clear: “What he built together with Dietrich (Mateschitz, note) should not be forgotten either. Someone like that needs to get respect for that. I will absolutely stand up for him. We’ll talk about it next week. I’ve said it every year, and everyone at Red Bull knows it, that Helmut always has to be there.”
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Verstappen also takes Jeddah pole position
There has also been a lot of talk recently about the future of three-time world champion Verstappen, who has a contract with Red Bull until 2028 and was discovered by Marko. “If you were to lose him, it would be an incredible loss because many mechanics and engineers also try to work for Max,” said Marko. According to rumors, Verstappen’s contract is linked to Marko.
“We want peace in the team”
The decisive factor for the great unrest in the team is the case surrounding team boss Christian Horner, who was accused of inappropriate behavior by an employee. The 50-year-old Briton was acquitted following an internal investigation at Red Bull, and the employee was recently suspended from the racing team for dishonest behavior, according to media reports.
Rumors about Marko’s withdrawal
The internal team dispute at Red Bull Racing could spread further. According to rumors, motorsport boss Helmut Marko is about to retire.
“We want peace in the team, the World Cup will be difficult enough with 24 races, and we have to concentrate on that,” emphasized Marko. “Anything that leads to a quick result is more than desirable,” said Horner about this decision, adding that there is currently too much fuss. The current engine supplier Honda also demanded clarity. “They want a clear statement about what really happened,” Marko said. “The most important thing is that we get back to sports.”
Wolff expresses respect for Marko
The competition is of course keeping a close eye on the fact that things are not going to calm down at Red Bull. But the events are increasingly causing astonishment. This was also the case with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, whose team has an open seat next year after Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari: He expressed his respect for Marko.
GEPA/XPB Images/Moy Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is watching the turbulence at Red Bull from afar
“Helmut is of course not a child of sadness and is our favorite enemy. But he is a real racer. If Helmut is lost to the team, it will certainly be a loss for Red Bull. Every racer has respect for him. The performance he achieved as a driver is without a doubt one of the best from an Austrian,” said the Viennese on ORF.
“We no longer have any insight into what is happening and what is being said. Whether Max is tied to Helmut or not. The most important thing is that they make their decisions there or not. It’s difficult to assess why this is getting so out of control,” added Wolff.
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah
Final standings after Q3: 1. Max Verstappen NED Red Bull 1:27.472 2. Charles Leclerc MON Ferrari 1:27.791 3. Sergio Perez MEX Red Bull 1:27.807 4. Fernando Alonso ESP Aston Martin 1:27.846 5. Oscar Piastri AUS McLaren 1 :28.089 6. Lando Norris GBR McLaren 1:28.132 7. George Russell GBR Mercedes 1:28.316 8. Lewis Hamilton GBR Mercedes 1:28.460 9. Yuki Tsunoda JPN RB 1:28.547 10. Lance Stroll CAN Aston Martin 1:28.572 Out after Q2: 11. Oliver Bearman * GBR Ferrari 1:28.642 12. Alexander Albon THA Williams 1:28.980 13. Kevin Magnussen DEN Haas 1:29.020 14. Daniel Ricciardo AUS RB 1:29.025 15. Nico Hülkenberg GER Haas No time out in Q1 : 16. Valtteri Bottas FIN Kick Sauber 1:29.179 17. Esteban Ocon FRA Alpine 1:29.475 18. Pierre Gasly FRA Alpine 1:29.479 19. Logan Sargeant USA Williams 1:29.526 20. Zhou Guanyu CHN Kick Sauber No time
* Replacement for Carlos Sainz (ESP) who is ill
