Marko will continue with Red Bull F1 after meeting with CEO
Helmut Marko secures his position at Red Bull, aiming for team stability amid tensions. Meanwhile, Jos Verstappen doubts Christian Horner's ability to calm the storm, prioritizing son Max's happiness as the saga unfolds.
F1 Saga: Marko Stays Put at Red Bull
In the latest development of the Red Bull saga, Helmut Marko has confirmed that he will remain in his role after previously stating that he was at risk of suspension.
His confirmation was after holding crucial talks with Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff on Saturday.
This news comes amid speculation surrounding Marko's future, fueled by an alleged investigation into a potential information leak.
Speaking to Austrian television on Friday, Marko had hinted at the possibility of leaving the team after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
However, following a meeting with Mintzlaff at the Shangri-La hotel in Jeddah, the situation took a decisive turn.
Marko's assurance
In a conversation with Sky Germany, Marko expressed relief, stating, "It was a very good conversation.
"Of course, calm must return to the team. That has priority. We agreed on all points. I will continue here. My contract still has three years to run. But calm must return."
Vote of confidence
This vote of confidence from the Red Bull hierarchy comes after a tumultuous 24 hours, during which Max Verstappen, the team's star driver, had threatened to quit if Marko were to depart.
Verstappen highlighted Marko's invaluable contributions and emphasized his significance to the team's future.
Addressing Verstappen's support, Marko said, "It was very impressive. I am very grateful to him for that. But he is one of the few who has strength of character and shows loyalty."
Dismissing allegations
Marko vehemently denied any involvement in leaking information to the media, addressing the anonymous emails that surfaced during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend.
"The leaking is complete rubbish," he asserted. "I'm glad I can manage to use my mobile phone. I've never seen any of these chats."
Moving forward
With Marko's position secured, Red Bull can now focus on the on-track battles as the Formula 1 season progresses.
Mintzlaff is set to travel to Dubai following the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to meet with the Thai majority owners of Red Bull, further solidifying the team's leadership structure.
In a brief statement, Mintzlaff reiterated the team's priorities, saying,
"We are focusing on the racing. We are happy with our management."
With Helmut Marko securing a vote of confidence from Red Bull's CEO and emphasizing the need for calm to return to the team, the saga within the Red Bull camp takes another twist with Jos Verstappen's comments.
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Horner distances himself
Christian Horner attempts to quell rumors of internal strife.
He told Sky Sports, "Obviously, a lot is made of this stuff. But we are one team, and nobody is bigger than the team. Everybody has a role to play. That's from the very bottom to the very top."
Yet, Horner's comments reveal a degree of separation from recent discussions between Helmut Marko and CEO Oliver Mintzlaff.
He specifically noted, "Helmut, he is a consultant to Red Bull GmbH [the wider energy drinks company].
"So, whatever the discussion was, it was between them and was not the team," subtly indicating a distance from the core of the team's current turmoil
Jos Verstappen: 'Too Late for Horner to Draw the Line'
Despite Marko's optimism, Verstappen senior, absent from the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to his participation in the Hannut Rally in Belgium.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, he remarked on Horner's attempts to put an end to the ongoing team turmoil, "I think it's a bit too late for that now."
His comments reflect a belief that the time for simple resolutions has passed, hinting at deeper issues within the team's dynamics.
Jos emphasized the paramount importance of his son's happiness amidst the turbulence, stating, "But the most important thing for me is that Max is happy. That's what counts for me. I just want him to be happy."
Furthermore, Jos pointed out the complex support structure within Red Bull, acknowledging Horner's backing from the team's Thai owner.
He speculated on Horner's future with the team, suggesting that despite the controversies, "he will stay for the rest of the season."
As the Red Bull saga unfolds, the divergent paths of resolving internal conflicts highlight the challenges of balancing leadership stability with team harmony, especially with key figures like Jos Verstappen and Helmut Marko voicing their concerns and expectations for the future.
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