Red Bull chaos

Helmut Marko: “This is absolute nonsense”

Helmut Marko

(Bild: APA/ERWIN SCHERIAU)

Helmut Marko remains at Red Bull - and spoke to Sky about the accusations that he leaked the alleged chat histories of Horner and the suspended employee: "That's absolute nonsense. I'm glad I can use my cell phone halfway. I've never seen any of these chats."

The 80-year-old reported on the meeting with Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff: "It was a very good conversation. Of course, calm has to return to the team. That has priority. We agreed on all points. I will continue here. My contract runs for another three years. But as I said: calm must return."

"Mind-boggling"
The motorsport zampano had "deliberately" stayed out of the Horner case. Marko in front of the ORF microphone: "As Lauda would say: The whole thing is simply insane."

On Friday, Marko hinted at his possible suspension in interviews. "The theoretical possibility always exists," said the man from Graz, but ultimately he would decide for himself what to do. Marko was a close confidant of the late Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz and discovered triple world champion Max Verstappen. The latter backed him up. The Dutchman said every year, "They all know that at Red Bull, too, that Helmut always has to be there for me". And if not: "Then we might have a big problem in the team."

"One of the few who shows character"
And Marko couldn't resist a little side-swipe at team boss Christian Horner. When asked about Verstappen's support, he said: "Max is one of the few who shows character."

An employee's complaint against Horner had been dismissed following an independent investigation by Red Bull, before emails reached selected recipients in the paddock a day later with a link to files on the spicy matter. It is still unclear who sent these emails and passed on the information. Just like the reason for Marko's possible suspension.