The best Formula 1 team looks more torn than ever. Only Max Verstappen’s victories keep the factions together in the explosive Red Bull power struggle.
At least the blazing Red Bull house row took a short break for the next winning photo with all-winner Max Verstappen. As if the power struggle in the best Formula 1 team hadn’t escalated in front of everyone, the world champion involved his opponents Christian Horner and Helmut Marko in a casual chat after his success in Saudi Arabia.
But it is uncertain whether the peace from the night in Jeddah will last long. The power tussle at Red Bull extends far beyond team boss Horner, advisor Marko and the racing team.
Verstappen’s triumphs in particular currently act as glue for the increasingly fragile structure. “I’ve always said that the most important thing is that we work together as a team and all keep the peace. We can all agree on that. Hopefully that’s completely the case from now on,” said the Dutchman after his ninth Grand Prix of the season. Prix victory in a row, the 100th podium finish of his high-flying career.
Verstappen confidant Marko is allowed to stay for the time being
The 26-year-old was relieved that, thanks to his intervention, the replacement of his confidant Marko is off the table for the time being. Shortly before the race, the Austrian announced the result of a crisis meeting with Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff: “I’ll continue, yes.”
Verstappen had previously quite blatantly threatened trouble if Marko had to leave despite a contract that runs until the end of 2026. “Without him in the team, I think there will be a problem, even for myself,” said the triple champion, who was once promoted to Formula 1 by Marko.
The whole fuss was sparked by the ongoing scandal surrounding race director Horner, who has long been considered Marko’s adversary. An employee had accused the Brit of inappropriate behavior. After an internal investigation, the complaint was dismissed. However, anonymous emails with juicy details were then sent to journalists and Formula 1 officials, putting the 50-year-old under pressure again.
The fact that 80-year-old Marko was suspected of being the source of the data leak was dismissed as absurd. “That’s complete nonsense. I’ll be happy if I can use my cell phone halfway,” said the former Formula 1 driver.
Verstappen’s father takes action against the team boss
Horner’s constant demands in Jeddah for an end to the affair remained in vain. “I think it’s a bit too late for that now. If that’s what he wants, fine. But I don’t think that’s possible,” said Verstappen’s father Jos via the Daily Mail and once again submitted Horner’s resignation close: “I have already said that there will be problems if he stays.”
Horner, however, continues to be supported by the Thai majority owners of Red Bull, who are reportedly in a struggle with the Austrian side of the drinks group over the heirs of the deceased co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz. Both parties had reportedly agreed to meet in Dubai on Sunday for further discussions about the messy situation.
As if all of this wasn’t complicated enough, Red Bull’s engine partner Honda and the car manufacturer Ford, which wants to join the team from 2026, also demanded clarification about the events surrounding Horner and how the scandal was dealt with. But transparency has never been the strength of the Red Bull Group and its offshoots in top-class sport. “We have no intention of exposing our internal personnel issues to the whole world,” said German managing director Mintzlaff, who was once also CEO of Bundesliga soccer club RB Leipzig, in the paddock in Jeddah.
Further speculation about Verstappen’s move
For the Formula 1 rumor mill, this acts more like an accelerant. There is still speculation that Verstappen and design mastermind Adrian Newey might tire of the quarrels and intrigues and leave the industry leader. “There is no team that wouldn’t do handstands to have him in the car,” said Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff about Verstappen, whose contract with Red Bull runs until the end of 2028. Newey is said to be being intensively courted by Ferrari.
“I see no reason why anyone should leave this team,” countered team boss Horner. He believes that the overwhelming success of the past few years is the best argument for this. Verstappen has won 19 of the last 20 Grand Prix and should be unstoppable on the way to his fourth title in a row. Adjutant Sergio Pérez secured the second double success for Red Bull in the second race of the season in Saudi Arabia ahead of Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc.
“As a team we operate at an extraordinarily high standard. And we expect that to continue,” said Horner. However, if anyone no longer wants to play their role and wants to leave, Red Bull will not force them to stay, the Brit added. And made it clear: “We are a team – and not a single person is bigger than the team.”