It took some time, but all the pieces of the puzzle are finally falling into place. The scandal involving Christian Horner and Red Bull immediately took on a greater scope, so much so as to open up a cross-section not only on the topic of the accusation, i.e. the harassment of an employee, but above all on what happens in the home of the champions in load. In the Horner case in particular shed light on the power struggle within the group. Horner's acquittal from the internal investigation and the employee's suspension made the situation worse, also fueling rumors about a possible farewell of Max Verstappen, Adrian Newey and Helmut Marko.
It is now well known that there is friction between Horner and Marko. But what has emerged in the last few hours, thanks to the reconstruction of Business F1 Magazine is that Horner, as well as getting help from legal of the Thais to win the case and expel the employee also attempted to send Helmut Marko away. A decision which, however, Max Verstappen would have opposed, threatening not to race the Australian Grand Prix.
An increasingly delicate situation in Red Bull, which at the end of the season, as reported by F1 Insiders he may have to say goodbye to both of you.
The reconstruction of Business F1 Magazine
Christian Horner's position is perhaps the most privileged and least in doubt. He knows he can count on the support of his family Yoovidhya, majority shareholder in Red Bull. This support was also confirmed by Business F1 Magazine which spoke of the excellent relationship between Christian Horner and Chalerm Yoovidhya. The Thai immediately took Horner's side, and in a meeting between Bahrain and Jeddah the two would also talk about the future of the team. To please Horner Yoovidhya not only would he have called his own lawyer to handle the internal investigation into the team principal, but he would also have suspended the employee who had accused Horner. A sort of “genie of the lamp” style request. The third request, however, would not have been successful.
In fact, Horner's plan also included kicking out Helmut Marko, but thanks to his relationship with Max and Jos Verstappen. The suspension letter to Marko arrived, in fact the super consultant had been asked not to appear in Australia. However, Horner would be forced to retrace his steps. The reason? Max Verstappen would have made it known through his agent, Raymond Vermeule, that "he would not have raced in Melbourne if Marko did not had been reinstated in the team“. A situation that is truly absurd.
At the moment there seems to be no risk of losing Max during the current season. However, doubt remains for 2025, given that Marko's departure, although delayed, has become inevitable. The reigning champion Max Verstappen would also go with him. A farewell that would set the pilot market on fire.
Source: FormulaPassion
