The serenity of Red Bull displayed on the track since the start of the season, and once again this Friday in Jeddah in qualifying with a second consecutive pole position, contrasts more and more with its incredible fragility outside.
Damaged by the Horner affair, after accusations of "inappropriate behavior" against the boss of the team, the Austrian firm, which has displayed a big smile since the start of the weekend, is engaged in a merciless internal war since these revelations, between the Thai majority shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya and the Horner clan on one side, Helmut Marko – the historic sports consultant – and the Verstappen family on the other.
Marko, “important” for Verstappen’s future
While this Thursday, Christian Horner tried to bury the hatchet in public - “I spoke to Jos (Verstappen) on Saturday after the Grand Prix.
In the interest of everyone, we agreed to move on, to focus on the future” - the latest developments in the file suggest quite the opposite.
An internal investigation has been opened by Red Bull against its influential historical advisor Helmut Marko.
“He is suspected of being at the origin of leaks to the press in the context of the Horner affair,” a source with knowledge of the file told AFP on Friday.
A decision which follows the first investigation which cleared Horner of all charges, and had his accuser suspended.
Before turning to the opposing clan and Helmut Marko.
Read alsoF1: “serious” accusations, internal war and ex-Spice Girl… 5 minutes to understand everything about the Horner affair
Questioned by the Austrian television channel ORF, the 80-year-old former pilot suggested that a suspension was not excluded.
“The theoretical possibility still exists.
I would say that it is difficult to judge… Let's say that in the end, I will decide for myself what I do (…) It is a very complex file.
Once again, we want peace in the team!
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But it's impossible to imagine his departure, without that of Max Verstappen, to whom he is very close.
“I have always said in the team, to high-ranking people, that he was an important part of all my decision-making and for my future in the team, so it is very important that he stays in the team. team, insisted the Dutchman at a press conference.
Before repeating himself once again: “It’s important to stay united because I think that if we lose such a pillar, it will be a big problem for the team and for me so Helmut must stay.
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Pole in Jeddah ☝️ pic.twitter.com/POvyb5hqiy
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) March 8, 2024
Rumors of a departure at Mercedes in 2025 where the place has been free since the surprise signing of Lewis Hamilton for Ferrari are rife.
Until then, there are 23 Grand Prix left to compete in this 2024 season, starting with that of Jeddah this Saturday, where he once again seems unstoppable.
Unless extra-sporting matters catch up with him a little on the track.