As rumours continue to swirl around the future leadership of Red Bull, Helmut Marko has admitted he could be suspended after the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to a fresh Red Bull investigation.
While team boss Christian Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing by an inquest into allegations of ‘inappropriate and controlling behaviour’ and his accuser has been suspended, Marko is now facing scrutiny over leaks that have emerged from Red Bull throughout the saga.
There’s reportedly been a power struggle between Marko and the team principal since the death of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022 and among the leaks from Horner‘s investigation was a bombshell Google Drive folder of messages allegedly sent between him and a female team employee.
“That theoretical possibility exists,” Marko told Austria broadcaster ORF, when asked if he’s facing suspension. “How shall I put it? It is difficult to explain, but in the end I decide what I will do.
“It is such a complex issue. And again, we want peace in the team and we want to see it. This world championship will be difficult enough with 24 races and we have to concentrate on that.”
Verstappen’s ‘Marko clause’
Max Verstappen‘s father Jos is already absent from the Red Bull camp in Jeddah after a row with Horner that culminated in him publicly calling for the beleaguered team principal – who continues to deny all allegations – to step down.
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That sparked new rumours that Verstappen could leave Red Bull if Horner stays, and it’s thought his representatives met with Mercedes after the 2024 Bahrain GP to discuss the possibility of a move into the seat vacated by Lewis Hamilton for 2025.
Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until 2028 but reportedly has a clause in that deal allowing him to leave if Marko – who first signed him to the team as a junior – also departs.
“Max is definitely the strongest asset, there are no faster drivers at the moment,” Marko added. “Losing him, that would be a huge loss. Also for the mechanics and engineers, who all strive to work for Max.”
