Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko admits he might be suspended

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has admitted he might be suspended amid a contemporary investigation relating to varied media leaks within the Christian Horner textual content scandal. 

Horner has been on the centre of a roiling storm engulfing the game after initially being cleared of misconduct by an unbiased investigation referred to as by his group’s guardian firm Red Bull GmbH.

Less than 24 hours after the choice was publicly communicated – and at first of the primary race weekend of the season in Bahrain – a tranche of leaked texts and photos alleged to have been despatched by Horner to the feminine worker concerned was circulated to key figures inside Formula One. 

Now, simply someday after the feminine worker on the centre of the allegations made towards Horner was suspended, consideration has turned to Marko.

According to MotorSport, Marko confessed to broadcasters in Saudi Arabia that there was an opportunity he might be absent from the subsequent race in Australia. 

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has admitted he might be suspended amid a contemporary investigation

Team principal Christian Horner has been the centre of controversy main into the season 

The similar outlet report that Marko is topic to an investigation by Red Bull relating to numerous media leaks which have taken place since Horner’s textual content scandal broke.

Marko, final month, had praised the corporate’s dealing with of Horner’s scandal, as he mentioned: ‘The sooner a result’s out there, the higher due to course, rumours and different tales are certain to sprout because of the lengthy length.

‘[But] I believe Red Bull has reacted very effectively on this matter. The lengthy length of this investigation is just not their fault. They are endeavouring to [have] a good investigation after which react accordingly.’ 

However, uncertainty over the 80-year-old’s place inside the Red Bull group is rising following the media leaks relating to Horner’s scandal. 

Earlier this week, Mail Sport revealed that Max Verstappen has an astonishing break clause in his contract that permits him to stroll out of Red Bull if Marko leaves the group. 

Verstappen is signed as much as Red Bull till 2028, incomes not less than £50million every year. But the actual fact his future is tied up with Marko’s means the notion of a potential change to Mercedes is just not so fanciful in any case.

Marko, an 80-year-old Austrian, is the corporate’s motorsport adviser. Triple world champion Verstappen fought for him when there strikes afoot to shuffle him out of the door final yr – manoeuvrings for which Horner was held accountable. It is known there may be nonetheless a wedge between the 2 sides relationship again to this dispute.

Max Verstappen (R) has an astonishing break clause in his contract that permits him to stroll out of Red Bull if Marko leaves the group

It was introduced in January that Marko had signed a brand new deal to stay in submit till the top of the 2026 season. 

The Verstappen-Marko contract hyperlink additionally strengthens their palms within the bitter dispute consuming the insides of what’s presently by far the strongest group on the grid.

Verstappen Snr was seen in dialogue with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff right here in Bahrain final week, and so they met for dinner on the five-star Four Seasons resort in Manama the place they had been each staying. 

It might have been a gathering of pals, as Verstappen Snr informed me, however it’s onerous to consider it was not supposed as a shot throughout Horner’s bows.

On Friday, Horner claimed he was ‘sure’ that Verstappen will honour his contract at Red Bull amid hypothesis that the world champion may transfer away.

‘I’m sure that he’ll (see out his deal),’ the 50-year-old mentioned throughout Thursday’s media duties. 

Despite recommendations that Verstappen may depart, Horner insisted he is assured he’ll keep

‘I imply, he is obtained an excellent group round him, he is obtained nice religion in that group and we have achieved an terrible lot collectively.

‘He’s dedicated to an settlement till 2028. And from a group facet, from Max’s facet, we’re decided to construct on the success that we have achieved already.

‘Those 55 victories have all are available in Red Bull vehicles, the entire podiums have are available in Red Bull Racing vehicles, and we’re decided to construct on that and add hopefully many extra sooner or later.’

While Verstappen has been eager to maintain his playing cards near his chest and give attention to efficiently defending his world title, his father has been extra outspoken, telling Mail Sport on Sunday that the group is about to ‘explode’ if Horner doesn’t resign.