Dr. Helmut Marko, a pivotal figure in Red Bull’s Formula 1 success, has put pen to paper on a new deal with the energy drink giant’s F1 teams, quelling last year’s rumors of a rift within the organization. Amidst speculation of a fallout with team principal Christian Horner, Marko, 80, has firmly put those rumors to bed with this latest move.
Reported by Salzburger Nachrichten, the new contract is set to keep Marko at the helm until the end of 2026. Speaking to Osterreich newspaper, he expressed satisfaction with the outcome of negotiations with Red Bull’s top brass, confirming that “everything is continuing as planned.”
In a testament to his enduring passion for the sport, Marko plans to attend all 24 grands prix in 2024. He shares his perspective on the demanding schedule, saying, “Yes, but that’s not stressful for me. If I had said ‘What’s coming up for me is crazy’, then it would be difficult. But I say to myself ‘Australia is beautiful, so I look forward to the tip to Melbourne’. From Fridays to Sunday evenings I do my job for Red Bull and I enjoy it.”
In a related development, while Ferrari’s 2024 car has successfully cleared the mandatory FIA crash tests, Red Bull’s new car has stumbled at this hurdle. Marko, however, puts a unique spin on this setback, suggesting that failing the tests initially could be a positive sign. He believes that if the car had passed on the first try, it would indicate they’re not pushing the limits. “That would mean we’re not doing our best work,” he asserts.
