Questions over Helmut Marko’s future with Red Bull and calls from Jos Verstappen for under-fire team boss Christian Horner to be replaced have led to suggestions Max Verstappen could leave.
Tom Coronel, a renowned figure in Dutch motorsport, has expressed concerns that Red Bull may risk losing Max Verstappen if the current “power struggle” persists.
The situation escalated when an inquiry was launched into team principal Christian Horner by the Red Bull parent company, leading to internal conflicts. Despite Horner being exonerated later on, tensions have not subsided.
Jos Verstappen has openly questioned Horner’s position within the team and suggested that the 50-year-old should step down. In addition, Max Verstappen himself indicated that he would consider leaving if Helmut Marko, a long-time advisor, were to depart from the team.
Marko’s statement about staying has alleviated concerns about the possibility of the three-time world champion leaving. However, Coronel firmly believes that it was not an empty threat and that Red Bull could potentially lose their star driver if the internal conflicts persist.
According to the racing veteran, “If Verstappen says that, then it will definitely happen.” He expressed his concerns on the RacingNews365 podcast, stating that Red Bull Racing is treading on thin ice.
Coronel believes that Red Bull is trying to distance themselves from Marko to make decision-making easier. He believes that there is an ongoing power struggle between Austria and Red Bull Racing in England.
Marko’s potential move to Mercedes has been a hot topic lately, with Toto Wolff, the team principal, playfully expressing his desire to have Marko join the Silver Arrows.
Coronel, however, pointed out that both Marko and Verstappen have other options available to them. Despite this, Coronel believes that neither of them would willingly leave unless absolutely necessary.
Coronel emphasized, “That’s why Toto Wolff is teasing Marko by saying, ‘Marko is also welcome with us’. But let’s not forget, Marko has been loyal to Red Bull for 19 years. He wouldn’t just abandon them, and Red Bull wouldn’t simply replace him. That wouldn’t be respectful, and Red Bull is known for taking swift action in such situations.”
Being able to engage in discussions is crucial, and it is not uncommon for some covert actions to take place in the competitive world of Formula 1. This kind of behavior is simply a reflection of the intense political landscape that exists within the sport. It is important to remember that we are dealing with significant stakes here. However, amidst all this, there is one undeniable truth – Verstappen’s unwavering desire to always be behind the wheel of the swiftest vehicle.
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