Amid growing speculation and rumours of political unrest at Red Bull, Helmut Marko, the prominent Austrian consultant, has unequivocally addressed the uncertainties surrounding his future in Formula 1.
Reports, notably from Brazilian broadcaster Globo, had suggested a potential shift in Marko’s role at Red Bull, citing mounting tension between him and Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner.
The Globo report even alluded to a pivotal meeting scheduled for this week that would ostensibly determine the trajectory of Marko’s involvement with Red Bull.
However, the 80-year-old Austrian has moved swiftly to counter these reports, emphasising that only he will determine when his involvement with Red Bull concludes.
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Marko emphatically stated, “There is no summit this week,” during an interview with Austrian outlet Oe24.
He also clarified his contractual status, noting, “I have a contract until the end of next year.
“When and how I stop, when [it] is over, I decide, and not, for example, Mr. Horner.”
The alleged power struggle between Marko and Horner came under scrutiny, and Marko responded by acknowledging the transformative impact of Red Bull’s new leadership following the passing of Dietrich Mateschitz.
He suggested that the reconfiguration of power dynamics is a natural consequence of these changes, stating, “Through the new constellation [following the death of Dietrich Mateschitz], everything is different. People are trying to re-line the powers.”
Marko then addressed a series of swirling rumours, including speculation about Yuki Tsunoda’s future at AlphaTauri, despite the young driver holding a contract with the team.
Marko unequivocally dismissed these claims, categorising them as “all just speculations.”
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Reports regarding a purported performance ultimatum given to Sergio Perez, specifying that he must secure second place in the drivers’ world championship to retain his 2024 seat, were also addressed by Marko.
He emphatically denied such ultimatums, asserting, “There is no ultimatum to Perez. I think we win too much – incredible things are put into the world.”
Marko expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from Red Bull’s star driver, Max Verstappen, stating, “On the one hand, this is very reassuring; there is still something like loyalty and appreciation.”