Marko still a "cop"

The “doctor” stays, but “calm must prevail”

Dr. Marko also thanked Max Verstappen.(Bild: AP)

Red Bull's CEO Oliver Mintzlaff and Helmut Marko are in agreement after the summit meeting on the sidelines of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Marko remains a "bull". The motorsport boss relegates accusations of moles to the realm of nonsense (krone.at reported). Everyone also agrees: calm must now be restored to the team.

Countless TV cameras, a flurry of camera flashes, microphones everywhere - in the Jeddah paddock yesterday, the media waited eagerly for the arrival of Red Bull's Head of Motorsport Dr. Helmut Marko, who had announced his retirement the day before, and CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, who had traveled to Saudi Arabia because of the troublesome affair surrounding team boss Christian Horner. It was 4 p.m. on the dot. While Mintzlaff did not want to give any interviews, the "Doctor" answered questions with aplomb. "We had a very good conversation, but of course calm must return to the team, Mintzlaff and I agreed on all points," said Dr. Marko and revealed: "I will continue, I will fulfill my contract, which runs for three years, provided there is calm in the team."

Verstappen's strength of character
The former Le Mans winner was impressed by the loyalty of world champion Max Verstappen ("Helmut is an important part of my decisions, also with regard to the future of the team"), saying: "I am also very grateful to him for that and it shows that he is one of the few who shows strength of character."

(Bild: AP, GEPA)

And, of course, there was also the question of his role in the "WhatsApp leak" case (piquant text messages from Horner to a female employee). Was he the "mole"? Dr. Marko grinned: "I have to borrow from Niki Lauda, he would probably have said 'that's complete nonsense'. I'm glad I can use my cell phone. So that's just absurd."

Offer from Wolff
Before Mintzlaff flies to Dubai today to meet with Red Bull majority owner Chalerm Yoovidhya, Dr. Marko also commented on the joking offer from Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. "That's very nice of him, but at the moment I have to decline the offer with thanks," grinned the Styrian, who was later able to congratulate Max Verstappen on his 56th GP victory.