The off-track saga at Red Bull will most likely see another massive bankruptcy, with senior advisor Helmut Marko admitting there is a “theoretical possibility” that it could be suspended before the Australian Grand Prix.
Team principal Christian Horner faced an avalanche of questions from the media in Jeddah, where Formula 1 is recently set up for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, after Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull’s star driver Max Verstappen, publicly called for Horner’s departure following Red Bull’s rejections. a complaint filed against Horner through a colleague.
And now it looks like Marko, who has been in charge of the driver program and the team’s chief adviser since its formation, could be dragged into the drama.
Austrian broadcaster ORF has told Marko of rumours that he will be suspended via Red Bull and miss the circular after Saudi Arabia, the Australian Grand Prix, and Marko admitted that there is a “theoretical possibility” of this happening.
Marko added that “in the end, what I’m going to do is for myself”, the Austrian was asked to explain if this is an order from Red Bull or if the resolution comes on his own.
Marko didn’t reveal much on that front, but under pressure, “peace of mind in the team” is what Red Bull wants and wants.
“It’s a very complex issue,” said Marko. And again we’re calm in the team and we’ll see that.
“This World Championship is going to be quite difficult with 24 races and that’s what we want. “
PlanetF1. com understands that an internal investigation is underway at Red Bull GmbH – of which Marko is an employee and not at Red Bull Racing – due to data leaks made to the media since the start of the separate internal investigation into Christian Horner. .
That includes an investigation into the leaked email with alleged data that was sent last week to many senior F1 executives, the media added, in a bid to humiliate Horner, just 24 hours after Red Bull GmbH ended its investigation into the F1 team boss.
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What worries Red Bull is that another key figure is linked to the weekend’s elimination from the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: three-time world champion Verstappen.
While Horner said Verstappen would “certainly” serve his contract with Red Bull that runs until the end of 2028, the Dutchman has yet to approve it and dismiss speculation, with a surprise transfer to Mercedes discussed.
Marko is under pressure that Verstappen is Red Bull Racing’s “toughest asset” and that the team can’t lose.
“Max is the most powerful asset, there are no faster drivers at the moment,” Marko said. “To lose him would be a huge loss. “
“Also for the mechanics and engineers, who strive to work for Max. “
Verstappen took pole in his RB20 for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
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