With the turbulence at the top of Red Bull, Verstappen’s contract to race with the Milton Keynes-based club is now set to expire in
2028. However, his future has been the focus of intense conjecture in recent weeks.
Verstappen had some harsh words to say when it was suggested over the weekend that the company’s racing advisor Helmut Marko
would be fired amid what looks to be a power struggle for control of the Red Bull business and its F1 team.
He implied that Red Bull would have a “problem” if Marko left since he might decide he no longer wanted to be a member of the
group.
Verstappen stated, “I’ve always clearly indicated that he [Marko] has to stay,” while speaking in Saudi Arabia. I
Many saw Verstappen’s forceful remarks on the subject as a direct political warning to Red Bull’s upper management about the
repercussions of going after Marko.
In contrast, the Dutchman has been less hesitant to back Christian Horner, the club’s principal, whom his father Jos has publicly
asked for to be fired in order to prevent the team from disintegrating.
Horner is well aware of the significance of Verstappen’s statements that he would not want to stay if he lost his close comrade and his
public support for Marko.
Horner has stated, though, that he will not force Verstappen to follow the terms of his contract if he has such strong feelings about
leaving the team.
You can’t make someone go somewhere just because of a piece of paper, Horner said. It’s like anything else in life.
We won’t compel someone to be here against their will if they didn’t want to be a part of our team. This holds true for anyone working
in a support role within the company, such as a designer or a machine operator.
Participating in a group such as this calls for dedication and enthusiasm. Max possesses that. He has been here since he was eighteen,
as we have seen.
“I am confident in his dedication and enthusiasm moving forward.”
After declaring before the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix that he was positive Verstappen will stay with the team until the end of his
contract, Horner’s comments represent a significant shift in his attitude.
It is known that there have been increasing annoyances among senior Red Bull executives with how team internal issues have been
exposed in the media through leaks and exclusive briefings.
In an attempt to restore composure within the F1 organization, Marko’s remarks on television regarding a possible suspension,
Verstappen’s ensuing threats to resign, and additional criticism of Horner in newspapers from his father Jos have all been seen as
detrimental.
Even though Verstappen is seen as a major contributor to Red Bull’s recent success in the Formula One race, it is probable that if his
off-track problems worsen, it will be seen as a cost too high to try to retain him if he wants to go.
Horner maintains that his connection with his driver has not been affected, despite the fact that the scenario is not ideal.
“With Max, everything is perfect,” he remarked. He is contributing positively to the team. You can see how at ease he is with all of the
team members in the garage; there’s no stress or strain.
This is also showing up in his performance on schedule. Thus, we don’t perceive any problems with Max.
Furthermore, Horner believes that car performance will ultimately determine what happens next, despite the fact that other teams are
attempting to take advantage of the unpredictability at Red Bull in order to entice Verstappen away.
Horner continued, “Look, I’m sure every team in the paddock would love to have Max.” However, the top drivers always want to be in
the best vehicles, as Toto also mentioned.
“We work together as a team. Max has now finished on the podium 100 times and won 56 grand prix races in Red Bull Racing vehicles.
We work incredibly well together as a team.
However, you can never say never. A driver will go somewhere else if they don’t want to be there, but as a group, I don’t see any
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
