SUMMARY
- Max Verstappen firmly supports Marko, vital for his Red Bull stay, highlighting their close bond.
- Red Bull faces turmoil with Horner's misconduct accusations, putting Verstappen's position at risk.
Max Verstappen reiterates his support for Helmut Marko, stating that his presence is crucial for him to stay with Red Bull. Verstappen emphasized his inability to continue without Marko, who played a pivotal role in his Formula 1 journey. The duo share a strong bond with one another which was reflected in the linking of the exit clause in the Dutchman’s contract to Marko.
The Austrian outfit is undergoing a major crisis as the team boss Christian Horner was accused of sexual misconduct by a female employee. When the inquiry that was launched against Horner finally concluded, new ‘evidence’ of private chats between Horner was made public. As the scandal does not seem to fade away, it has put the positions of key figures at Red Bull, including Verstappen in jeopardy.
Verstappen’s stay at Red Bull hinges on Helmut Marko
The investigation centers on leaks to the media, including an email containing purported information linked to the Horner inquiry. The 26-year’s loyalty lies clearly, amidst reported tensions between Red Bull’s senior figures. Behind the scenes, Christian Horner and Helmut Marko are reportedly at odds, with Jos Verstappen publicly expressing his concerns. The father of the 3x champion opted out of the Jeddah race following his heated clash with Horner.
🚨 According to Motorsport, Verstappen’s exit clause (tied to Marko) was added unilaterally by Verstappen and Marko.
They report that it would have been done without the F1 team or Horner knowing anything at the time.
Marko was able to do this because he is one of the directors… pic.twitter.com/R7PrI5uiw4
— Petai (@limpektokcock) March 18, 2024
As tension is booming in the Milton Keynes-based team, Verstappen, “For me, Helmut is a very key factor in that and he has to stay for me, for sure. I’ve always said that to the team, they know that. I’ve always said, especially after [Red Bull co-founder] Dietrich [Mateschitz]’s passing, with everyone in the team, that I find it really important that we keep the key team together.”
The internal strife at Red Bull has overshadowed Verstappen’s pole position in Saudi Arabia and affected their hopes of winning the 2024 championship. Regardless, the Dutch sensation has urged the team to focus on performance.
Top pick for Max Verstappen amid Horner scandal
Former driver Ralf Schumacher suggests Verstappen and Mercedes principal Toto Wolff would form an ideal partnership. This came after speculations of the 26-year-old making a move to Silver Arrows as Wolff acknowledged that he would like to have him on board the team.
⚠️ | Chances Of Verstappen’s Move To Mercedes ‘Are Great’ According To Ralf Schumacher pic.twitter.com/CRGtNBRwpK
— Racing Infinity (@RacingInfinity1) March 20, 2024
According to Schumacher, “The chances are great because where should Verstappen go if he no longer wants to stay at Red Bull? Ferrari is closed. Audi is still too far away from being competitive so that leaves Mercedes. I also believe that Max, with his natural, honest nature, would fit in very well with Mercedes. It would be perfect for Toto.”
If Verstappen chooses to depart from Red Bull, the German driver believes the Mercedes rumors to be real. Despite a previous disagreement that was settled before the 2021 British Grand Prix, Verstappen and Jos have a history with Wolff. However, the Brackley-based team needs a driver for the next season after Lewis Hamilton joined Ferrari.
