Dr. Helmut Marko is emphasizing the need for unity as Red Bull Racing navigates a turbulent period.
While Max Verstappen feels the team is starting to "understand" the factors behind its recent performance struggles, the situation has been complicated by the loss of key personnel.
Max's father, Jos, has publicly pointed the finger at team boss Christian Horner, blaming his leadership style and involvement in a personal scandal for the team's woes. However, team advisor Marko believes that Jos Verstappen's critical comments were ill-timed.
"Let's put it this way – it didn't help either," he told ORF Tirol, acknowledging that the 2022 death of founder Dietrich Mateschitz and Horner's scandal earlier this year have contributed to Red Bull's challenges in 2024.
Marko, 81, added, "But we sat down together and agreed that we have to pull together – we have to work together in all areas to win this championship. This is the direction to follow for the future as well, because it's clear that if we don't give Max a car that he can win with, there could be complications in the longer term."
He also hinted at the potential consequences if Red Bull's struggles continue, noting, "All the top drivers have exit options in their contracts, and in this case, Max can also look for another option. He will drive where the package will be the best."
In the aftermath of the team's very public 2024 leadership power struggle, Horner managed to retain his position as team principal. Still, Marko indicated that Red Bull's structure remains in flux following Mateschitz's passing.
"In terms of structure, Oliver Mintzlaff is responsible for F1, but also football, cycling and various other things," he said.
Marko further explained that while Horner continues to oversee Red Bull Racing's operations, the organizational details are still being finalized. "Christian Horner is in charge of Red Bull Racing from an operational point of view, but I would say that the details have not been finalised yet, because the system is still developing," he concluded.
The energy drink company is reportedly expanding its sports interests even further, with L'Equipe suggesting that it is on the verge of acquiring a 15 percent stake in French football club Paris FC, in addition to its existing investments in football and hockey teams.
