Was he the mole?

Power struggle escalates! Marko speaks of resignation

The power struggle at Red Bull is escalating! While engine manufacturer Honda demands a thorough investigation into the Horner case, Dr. Helmut Marko even spoke of resigning on the sidelines of qualifying for the Saudi Arabian GP. The Styrian is threatened with suspension.

"That is difficult to judge. There is always the theoretical possibility" that he could no longer be involved in Australia, said the 80-year-old Styrian in an ORF interview on Friday before the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. "Ultimately, I decide for myself what I do. It's such a complex issue."

Helmut Marko(Bild: APA/ERWIN SCHERIAU)

Investigation against Marko
According to media reports, a suspension at Red Bull is to take place as early as Monday, but not that of Christian Horner, but that of Marko. Malicious tongues claim that the Styrian is the mole at Red Bull who leaked the chats between Horner and the complaining employee. That is why Red Bull has now also initiated an investigation against Marko. 

Christian Horner(Bild: ASSOCIATED PRESS)

To explain: The decisive factor is the case involving team boss Christian Horner, who was allegedly accused of inappropriate behavior by a female employee. The 50-year-old Englishman was acquitted following an independent, internal investigation at Red Bull, while the employee was recently suspended from the Austro racing team for dishonest behavior, according to media reports. "This is such a complex issue. We want peace in the team, the World Championship will be difficult enough with 24 races and we have to concentrate on that," emphasized Marko.

Employee complains, Honda wants clarity
The employee involved is now seeking legal action in a civil lawsuit. "Anything that leads to a quick result is more than desirable," said Horner about this decision, but a la longue there is currently too much fuss. Current engine supplier Honda also demanded clarity. "They want a clear statement on what really happened," explained Marko. "The most important thing is that we get back to the sporting side of things."

According to sources close to Red Bull, the company has been divided since the death of mastermind Mateschitz. The Thai majority owners, the Yoovidhya family, are said to support Horner, while the Austrian faction allegedly wants the team principal to be removed from his post. Horner had called for an end to the situation on Thursday. "My wife and family have been hugely supportive, but the intrusion into my family life is enough now," he said.

Helmut Marko (left) and Max Verstappen(Bild: APA/AFP/JOHN THYS)

The future of triple world champion Max Verstappen, who still has a contract with Red Bull until 2028 and was discovered by Marko, is also currently the subject of much discussion. "If we were to lose him, it would be an incredible loss, because many mechanics and engineers are also keen to work for Max," said Marko. According to rumors, Verstappen's contract is linked to Marko.

Toto Wolff(Bild: APA/AFP/Andrej ISAKOVIC)

"Not a child of sadness"
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, whose team has an open seat next year following the departure of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari, expressed his respect for Marko. "Helmut is of course no pushover and our dearest enemy. But he is a real racer. If the team loses Helmut, it will certainly be a loss for Red Bull. Every racer has respect for him. His performance as a driver is undoubtedly one of the best of any Austrian," said the Viennese on ORF.

"We no longer have a clear view of what is happening and what is being said. Whether Max is tied to Helmut or not. The most important thing is that they make their decisions there or not. It's difficult to judge why this is getting so out of hand," added Wolff. However, Verstappen will always drive where the fastest car is available, and that is currently the Red Bull. "I have a good relationship with Jos (Verstappen, ed.) and Max. But that doesn't mean that you would see a change on the professional side in the short term."