F1 News: Helmut Marko reveals Red Bull future in doubt BEFORE Christian Horner chaos

Helmut Marko storms out of the Red Bull truck with a can of Red Bull in hand — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

Marko reveals Red Bull future in doubt BEFORE Horner chaos

Helmut Marko was already considering leaving Red Bull prior to the Christian Horner saga

Shay Rogers

Tuesday 12 March 2024 09:12

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has revealed that he was already considering his future before Christian Horner became the subject of an investigation into alleged ‘inappropriate behaviour’.

Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing towards a female colleague by the team and was allowed to continue performing all functions of his roles as CEO and team principal throughout the matter.

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Red Bull have managed to take two consecutive one-two finishes to start the season, with the RB20 holding a good advantage over its rivals.

Rumours that Marko may be suspended came to light in Saudi Arabia, but after a meeting with Red Bull GmbH managing director Oliver Mintzlaff, it appears he will stay with the team.

Helmut Marko chats with Christian Horner

Helmut Marko has been with Red Bull since 2005

Marko already gave Red Bull departure a thought

The Austrian has now confirmed that he was considering his future in the sport well before the ongoing saga occurred, and reassured his camp that no move to Mercedes is on the cards currently.

“I hope it will all be over as soon as possible,” he told Dutch outlet De Telegraaf.

“I was already thinking about leaving at the end of last year, but I also think we should think about Dietrich [Mateschitz's, the Red Bull founder] legacy, what his ideas were and where they took us. We owe that to him.”

Marko also confirmed that he will not be blamed for the leak of supposed messages allegedly sent by Horner, stating: “We decided that these rumours [of the leaks] were spread and had no legal background. I will not be suspended.

“Our goal is to win the world championship. For that we will have to work hard.

“I was really thankful for how loyal Max was. I was impressed. We are not going to Mercedes together at the moment.”

There’s plenty of time to elapse before the 2025 driver market fully unfolds, as Mercedes look to fill a crucial seat for the future.

As Red Bull continue to work through their issues, it appears that a move for Marko and Verstappen is becoming increasingly unlikely for the Silver Arrows.