The 2024 F1 season has gotten off to a near-perfect start for defending constructors’ champions Red Bull.
That is, on the track.
Teammates Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez secured a front-row spot at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix and both started from the top three at Saturday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, so they are likely to score another victory for Red Bull. . 2nd place in the second race of the season.
But off the course, the story is much different.
Red Bull, and Red Bull Sport as a whole, continues to be rocked by an internal investigation launched by Red Bull last month into allegations of “inappropriate behavior” by team principal Christian Horner towards a female Red Bull Racing employee. The investigation, conducted by outside counsel, was ultimately dismissed, with Horner remaining on the team. It is important to note that the statement released by the team at the end of the investigation said the matter was “dismissed” and did not say that Mr. Horner’s inappropriate conduct had been ruled out.
Still, Red Bull has not disclosed any additional information, prompting calls for greater transparency from across the sporting world, including team principals Zak Brown and Toto Wolff.
Those calls culminated Thursday when it was reported that an employee involved in the investigation had been “suspended” by the team.
For more information on the overall situation at Red Bull and what it means for F1 as a whole, I highly recommend that you dig deeper into this issue From Izzy Ramirez Vox.
The latest twist in Red Bull’s ongoing saga? One of the team’s other executives could be suspended. The team’s senior advisor, Dr Helmut Marko, is reportedly facing suspension, leaving his future with Red Bull in doubt.According to this Report from auto sportsMarco: “…Horner is the subject of an investigation by Red Bull in connection with various media leaks that have occurred since it was revealed that he was being monitored by the Red Bull energy drink company.”
Marco commented on the matter as follows: austrian outlet ORF I might not be able to join the team for the next race, the Australian Grand Prix. “I say this, it’s hard to judge, but in the end you decide what you do. There are always theoretical possibilities,” Marco said. “I think this is a very complex issue. Again, we want peace for the team. This World Championship is going to be difficult enough with 24 races, but we are focused on it. Must.”
Making things even worse for the team is the fact that Verstappen’s presence at Red Bull has long been linked to Marko. In recent days, news has followed that the three-time drivers’ champion has a release clause in his contract that allows him to leave the team if certain big names leave. connected.
After taking pole position on Friday, Verstappen was asked about Marko. FIA press conferenceand seemed to make it clear where his allegiances lie.
“Yes, from my side, I respect Helmut very much and what we achieved together is a very big accomplishment. And of course my loyalty to him is also very big. And also, I’ve always expressed to everyone in the team, everyone in the upper management, that he’s going to play an important role in my decision-making, not just within the team but going forward. So, yeah. So, it’s very important that he stays in the team, including everyone else, of course, because it’s a whole team effort.
“And it’s very important to get key personnel together, because if a key pillar like that goes down, that’s what I’m saying to the team, and that’s good for your situation as well. Because I don’t think there is. So, for sure, for me, Helmut certainly has to stay. You know, he built this team with Dietrich. [Mateschitz, Red Bull’s founder] He has always been very loyal to the team and everyone in the team since day one and has tried to make sure everyone holds their positions already from back then.
“And, of course, I think it’s also very important to have a lot of respect for what the man has done. And it’s also about loyalty and integrity. So, certainly, for me too. It is important that he remains part of the team.”
Verstappen then spoke further with an interview pen. talk to sky sports germanythe driver outlined that he intended to support Marco internally.
“If he is not in the team there will be problems, of course for me too. I have always had great trust in Helmut and that applies to both sides. What he shares with Dietrich [Mateschitz] Don’t forget that either. He deserves great respect for that. He is a very important person for the whole team,” said the driver.
Verstappen didn’t stop there.
“Of course,” Verstappen answered a question from a reporter. sky sports germany If he supports Marco with his team. “Of course we will discuss it. I have said it every year and everyone at Red Bull knows it, but for me Helmut always has to be there.”
when pressed with sky sports germany As for what Marko’s possible departure would mean, Verstappen declared: “In that case, there could be big problems for the team.”
Palace intrigue is nothing new for Red Bull. Going back to last season, there were reports of a power struggle within the team.
But the ongoing controversy is taking the issue to another level. Last week, Max Verstappen’s father Jos Verstappen told the media that Horner’s situation threatens to tear the team apart from within. These comments, coupled with reports about Verstappen’s Red Bull contract, opened the door to rumors that Verstappen could move to Mercedes next season.
Jos Verstappen was spotted with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff in Bahrain last week, sparking rumors in earnest.
Once again, racing-wise it has been a dream start for Red Bull this season.
But everything else is becoming a nightmare.
