Red Bull boss steps in as Verstappen's future comes into question
Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff arrived at the Saudi Arabian grand prix on Saturday as scandal continues to engulf the team and threatens the future of world champion driver Max Verstappen.
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko and managing director Oliver Mintzlaff arrive at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Saturday. (Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
Senior advisor Helmut Marko is reported to be under investigation for leaks relating to an investigation into team boss Christian Horner.
Horner was investigated after an allegation of employee misconduct which was subsequently dismissed by the parent company.
The 50-year-old denied any wrongdoing throughout the investigation.
Media at the Saudi Arabian grand prix, including BBC chief F1 writer Andrew Benson, reported that Marko was to be suspended for his alleged role in informing the media about the investigation.
“It's difficult to judge, or let's put it this way, ultimately, I'll decide for myself what I do,” the senior figure at Red Bull told Austrian F1 broadcaster ORF, while admitting to Sky Germany that he would meet with managing director Oliver Mintzlaff on Saturday.
"There is so much speculation and the like going around," said Marko.
"I have another meeting tomorrow and then we'll see.”
“But… everything has to be right for me to want to continue working there."
Helmut Marko and Christian Horner together in the F1 paddock at the Bahrain Grand Prix. (Clive Mason/Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool)
Marko is a motorsport advisor to Red Bull GmbH, the energy drink company which owns the Formula 1 team.
He runs the company’s young driver program, having brought Max Verstappen to the team in one of the most successful driver signings of recent history.
The indication from the team that Marko could be suspended has led to doubts over the Dutch driver’s future with the team.
Verstappen stood by Marko after qualifying on pole for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Friday.
“From my side, I have a lot of respect for Helmut and what we have achieved together goes very far,” he said.
“My loyalty to him is very big.”
“I've always expressed this to everyone within the team, everyone high up, that he's an important part in my decision-making for all the time in the future as well within the team,” he said, in a clear indication that the future of the Dutch world champion may be decided behind closed doors on Saturday in Jeddah.
“So, yeah, it's very important that he stays within the team, including, of course, everyone else, because, you know, it's a whole team effort.”
“And it's very important that we keep the key people together, because I feel like if such an important pillar falls away, that's also what I've said to the team, that is not good for my situation as well.
“For me, Helmut has to stay, for sure.”
Max Verstappen on Friday evening in Jeddah. (Mark Thompson/Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool)
“You know, he has built this team together with Dietrich [Mateschitz] from day one, and he's always been very loyal to the team, to everyone within the team, to make sure that everyone would keep their positions already from back in the day,” said Verstappen.
Red Bull co-owner Dietrich Mateschitz passed away in October 2022, with reports in the Dutch and English F1 media that relationships within the team have become strained in the months since.
Both Red Bull’s current engine partner Honda and future partner Ford have called for stability and clarity regarding the team’s future, with the driver market wide open for 2025 following the shock departure of Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes to Ferrari.
For now, Verstappen was the class of the field once again in qualifying, taking pole position by three-tenths of a second around the high-speed Jeddah circuit ahead of Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez.
The Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is underway at 4am Sunday (AEDT).
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