Max Verstappen has expressed his support for Red Bull motorsport adviser Helmut Marko amid reports that the Austrian could be suspended by Red Bull. Marko, a former Formula 1 driver, is facing potential disciplinary action following an internal investigation, which coincides with a controversy involving team principal Christian Horner.
Verstappen emphasized Marko’s importance to the team, stating, “It’s crucial that he stays with us. If such a key figure leaves, it wouldn’t be good for my situation either. For me, Helmut must definitely stay.”
A source told BBC Sport that there were plans to suspend Marko. However, Marko told Austrian broadcaster ORF that he might decide his own fate, adding, “The possibility is always there. It’s a complex issue, but our focus should be on achieving peace in the team.”
Marko’s potential absence at the next race in Australia from 22-24 March has fueled speculation. However, when asked about Marko’s suspension, a Red Bull Racing spokesperson told BBC Sport, “That’s news to us.” They also clarified that Marko is employed by Red Bull GmbH in Austria, meaning Red Bull Racing doesn’t have authority over him.
Marko is an influential figure within Red Bull, known for his role in the young driver program and bringing Verstappen into the team. He was a close ally of the late Red Bull co-owner, Dietrich Mateschitz, and his position has become less stable since Mateschitz’s passing in October 2022.
News of Marko’s possible suspension follows Red Bull suspending the woman who made allegations against Horner. Though Horner was cleared of the allegations just before the Bahrain Grand Prix, the issue has caused tension, with Verstappen’s father, Jos, warning that the team could “explode” if Horner remained in charge.
Verstappen also addressed rumors linking him to a potential move to Mercedes, but he reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull as long as the team continues to perform well. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s engine partner, Honda, has requested more clarity regarding the situation.
The possibility of Helmut Marko being suspended further fuels the perception of an internal power struggle at Red Bull. Marko, who won a previous dispute with team principal Christian Horner last year, securing a new contract with Red Bull, now faces potential suspension amid ongoing tension within the team.
At the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen was asked about his father’s recent comments on Horner. Verstappen stated that his father, Jos, “is not a liar” and acknowledged that people might think his father’s opinions reflect his own. While he confirmed he frequently speaks with his father and manager Raymond Vermeulen as a team, Verstappen made it clear his focus remains on performance rather than taking sides in internal conflicts.
This controversy surrounding Horner coincides with a broader power struggle within Red Bull between the Thai majority owner, Chalerm Yoovidhya, and Red Bull GmbH in Austria. Yoovidhya has publicly shown support for Horner, attending the Bahrain Grand Prix to back him, while Austria has reportedly been in favor of removing Horner following allegations against him.