Why is key Red Bull figure Helmut Marko reportedly at risk of suspension?
Associated PressRed Bull advisor Helmut Marko is reportedly at risk of being suspended amid the ongoing controversy surrounding team principal Christian Horner.
According to a report from BBC Sport, Red Bull are looking into suspending Marko in the wake of an internal investigation.
It is reported that the 80-year-old could face disciplinary action – including a suspension – for the as yet unclarified incident.
Reports suggest that Marko is being investigated with regards to the leaks about team principal of Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner.
Helmut Marko (L) and Max Verstappen (R) – Photo Credit: Associated PressMarko leaving could mean the end of Max Verstappen
Although still unsubstantiated, RACER report that Marko’s investigation – being handled by parent company Red Bull GmbH – relates to the “potential leaking of information regarding the Christian Horner allegations.”
Horner faced a rocky start to the season after allegations of inappropriate behaviour surfaced against the Red Bull Racing team boss.
Those complaints were later dismissed following an internal investigation, but the following day an anonymous email was sent to journalists claiming to include screenshots of communications from WhatsApp exchanges purportedly between Horner and the accuser.
Marko’s potential exit from Red Bull could spark a series of events at the reigning F1 champions, with reports emerging that Max Verstappen has a break clause allowing him to leave should the Austrian depart.
After claiming pole ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the Dutchman leant his support to Marko.
“It is very important that he stays within the team… Including of course everyone else, because it is a whole team effort,” he said.
“It is very important that we keep the key people together because I feel like if such an important pillar falls away – that is also what I have said to the team; that is not good for my situation as well.
“For sure, Helmut has to stay. He has built this team together with Dietrich [Mateschitz] from day one and he has always been very loyal to the team, to everyone within the team, to make sure that everyone would keep their positions from back in the day.
“I think it is also very important that you give the man a lot of respect for what he has done and that comes back also to loyalty and integrity. So for sure it is important he stays part of the team.”