F1 News: Helmut Marko 'to be SUSPENDED' after planned Red Bull meeting

Marko, Newey, Verstappen, socials — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

Marko 'to be SUSPENDED' after planned Red Bull meeting

The Austrian revealed that he has a meeting scheduled for Saturday

Chris Deeley

Friday 8 March 2024 22:12 Updated: 12:10

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Helmut Marko is at risk of being suspended by Red Bull, as the impression of a civil war at the energy drink company deepens.

Marko hinted when asked about the situation that he could leave the team in the immediate future, revealing an upcoming meeting which could determine his fate.

BBC Sport report that a Red Bull source - the parent company which employs Marko, not the Red Bull Racing sub-team - told them that 'the plan' is to suspend the 80-year-old as the result of an internal investigation.

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The Austrian's relationship with Christian Horner has historically been strained, and the off-track attention being paid to the team principal this last month - and the backing he's received from the company's majority owner Chalerm Yoovidhya - appears to have created a rift in the company.

Christian Horner has been under pressure

Meanwhile, Max Verstappen took pole in Jeddah

Marko: Saturday meeting could decide fate

Speaking to Sky Germany after Friday's qualifying session, Marko said: "There is a lot of speculation going on. I have a meeting tomorrow and we will see. Everything still needs to fit for me to still wanting to work here."

Marko called the matter of his future with the team 'a decision from both sides', revealing that his meeting with by with Red Bull GmbH managing director Oliver Mintzlaff.

Speaking later, Marko added that it was 'difficult to judge' whether he has been suspended, hinting at further developments to come.

In more conciliatory tones to Austrian broadcaster ORF, he continued: "It's such a complex issue. Again, we want peace in the team. This world championship will be difficult enough with 24 races and we have to concentrate on that."

GPFans has approached Red Bull Racing for comment.

Red Bull Max Verstappen Christian Horner Helmut Marko