Dr. Helmut Marko has outright dismissed the circulating speculations that suggest Red Bull’s secondary Formula 1 team might be undergoing a change in ownership. Reports from a specialized Japanese news outlet suggested that former Haas boss Gunther Steiner was potentially leading a group of investors interested in RB, which was previously known as Toro Rosso and Alpha Tauri.
Red Bull’s senior F1 advisor from Austria addressed the falsehoods of these claims in an interview with the Kleine Zeitung newspaper. “I really don’t understand where these things keep coming from,” Marko expressed his confusion and frustration. He reassured, “Everything has been clarified and settled with the shareholders.”
Despite these clarifications, it’s undeniable that a significant leadership battle is ongoing at Red Bull, which could be sparking these takeover rumours. Team figures including Marko have been attempting to downplay such internal strife publicly for some time.
Marko stressed the importance of stability within the team, stating, “Basically, it’s about bringing calm to the team now,” and emphasized the urgency by adding, “And that’s urgently needed. As we saw in Australia, Ferrari is there when we don’t deliver.” He further highlighted their focus on continuing their championship successes: “Other factors played a role in that, but our goal has to be the fourth world championship title in a row. Everything else is subordinate to that.”
The rift within Red Bull Racing—and extending into the upper echelons of the energy drink conglomerate—has resulted in a clear division. Christian Horner leads one faction alongside the 51 percent Thai shareholders, while the Austrian contingent, including the 80-year-old Marko, forms another.
Regarding the political disputes, Marko remarked, “That’s politics,” clarifying his current focus away from internal discord, “and I’m not concerned with it at the moment. It’s all about winning the world championship.”
In the midst of these tensions, rumours had surfaced earlier in the year hinting at a possible departure of triple world champion Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing. However, Verstappen recently solidified his support for his mentor, Marko.
Reflecting on Verstappen’s support, Marko acknowledged the significance of such a gesture: “That was a really big sign of loyalty,” he noted. “And I don’t take that for granted at all, especially in this day and age.” Praising Max’s resilience and independence, Marko added, “But Max is just so incredibly focused. He doesn’t need a team around him to help him in these situations. He is an exceptional phenomenon at only 26 years old and goes his own way – and that’s a very good thing.”
GMM
