Numerous reports have been released in the past few weeks and have suggested that Max Verstappen might leave Red Bull in favour of Mercedes. Moreover, these reports have circulated after Jos Verstappen was spotted alongside Toto Wolff at the Bahrain GP. Following such speculations, Helmut Marko has commented on the situation prevalent at Red Bull.
A situation of civil war has enveloped the team since an anonymous source leaked documents regarding Christian Horner‘s investigation. Subsequently, rumours have surrounded the paddock that the Dutchman is looking to leave Milton Keynes amid the crisis that the team is in currently.
The Austrian took to the media and stated:
As far as I’m concerned, I won’t stand in Max’s way [should he decide to leave]. Helmut Marko said as reported by racingnews365
Marko stated that he would not interfere in Verstappen’s decision whether to leave the team in favour of any other. Moreover, it is speculated that the Dutchman’s contract has an immediate exit clause that would help him leave the team as the tensions rise within Milton Keynes.
What was Helmut Marko’s reaction to the document leak of Christian Horner?
Before the race in Bahrain, an anonymous source had leaked sensitive documents in the paddock. Moreover, these documents were sent to multiple F1 personnel and journalists across various continents. Following this, questions were asked by multiple team principals on the fairness of the investigation and its lack of transparency. Now, Marko has commented on the leaked documents.
The Austrian while addressing the issue stated:
I am flabbergasted and surprised that the documents have been leaked. I've never seen them myself. Helmut Marko said as reported by gpfans.com
Marko was himself taken by shock by the references that were shared in the paddock. Moreover, the 80-year-old elaborated that he had never seen the documents himself and that it was a shock for him too.
Subsequently, this has brought Red Bull back into the courtroom on whether the investigation was fair or not. The Austrian team will have to tiptoe around the situation and decide whether to axe their CEO/team principal if the reports are true. They are tarnishing the image of the brand and will continue to do so the longer the ongoing saga plays out.
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