Just when it seemed the internal feud within Red Bull Racing was cooling down, the spotlight has once again shifted towards Christian Horner, raising questions about his future within Formula 1.
Despite Dr. Helmut Marko weathering what seemed to be a counterattack led by Horner and a Thai investor, resulting in speculation about his suspension, Marko, with his legal expertise at 80, disclosed, “We had a discussion and decided that there are rumours but they have no legal basis.” He confidently added, “I will not be suspended because it had no legal basis.”
Following his departure from Jeddah, Horner was under the impression that he had navigated through the worst of the storm threatening his career in Formula 1. Yet, recent widespread reports and various sources are hinting that his dismissal might be imminent, especially before the Melbourne Grand Prix.
Amidst this turmoil, there’s speculation about Ferrari’s interest in Adrian Newey and Pierre Wache, coupled with an offer from Mercedes’ Toto Wolff to welcome not only Max Verstappen but also his mentor, Marko. To this, Marko responded with a smile, “That’s very nice of him,” and “but I’m declining the offer right now.”
Marko expressed concern over the potential move of Newey to Ferrari, stating, “I hope this doesn’t happen.”
Further complicating matters is the rumor regarding a female Red Bull employee who might escalate her allegations against Horner by revealing more information, making a public statement, challenging the internal investigation’s findings, or pursuing legal action.
Interestingly, although Marko had planned to return to Europe alongside Horner, he opted for a private flight with Verstappen, as reported by De Telegraaf.
“I hope it will all be over as soon as possible,” Marko shared with the Dutch publication, reflecting on the recent difficult weeks. He continued, “I was already thinking about leaving at the end of last year, but I also think we should think about Dietrich (Mateschitz’s) legacy, what his ideas were and where they took us. We owe that to him.”
The allegiance of Horner’s most significant supporter until now, Chalerm Yoovidhya, who owns 51 percent of Red Bull, seems to be shifting towards the Austrian faction. This shift could be in response to Horner’s stance that even the possibility of Verstappen leaving would not deter his determination. Marko noted, “What happens if Max goes? This is discussed internally,” and confidently added, “But I’m sure doors would open for him everywhere.”
Ho-Pin Tung, a racing driver, told nu.nl, “I dare say that Max’s voice is more powerful than anyone else’s within Red Bull. And he spoke out very clearly with a clear position. He is not only a leader in the car, but also outside the car and within the team. It reminds me of Michael Schumacher in his heyday.”
Amid these developments, there’s also buzz about a potential boycott of Red Bull drinks by an American left-wing activist group over Horner’s continued role, although the F1 team has denied any new internal controversies.
A team spokesperson reassured to Bild newspaper, “As Christian already said, he is grateful for the full support of the shareholders, and it will stay that way.”
Former F1 driver Alex Wurz offered a cinematic analogy to ORF, suggesting, “It’s like the movie Highlander – there can only be one left standing at the end of the season. Or maybe earlier.”
GMM
