Max Verstappen responds to ‘ultimatum’ issued over Red Bull future
Three-time F1 champion Max Verstappen has shut down reports of a feud in the Red Bull camp involving team principal Christian Horner and Helmut Marko. A reported power struggle between the two chiefs almost ended in an ultimatum to the team with the Belgian threatening to leave, something which has since been dispelled by the driver.
Rumours of unrest in the team came following the death of Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz in October – leading to reports of disagreements over who would take over new duties. Tensions grew between Horner and Marko, culminating in claims that Verstappen would leave the team, following Marko if he were to be forced out.
But despite claims Verstappen would seek a new team, Sky Sports F1 reporter Rachel Brookes revealed the 26-year-old – who recently claimed his third successive drivers championship – had no intentions of leaving. Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Brookes revealed she posed the question to Verstappen directly who issued a frank response.
“Max today, I put to him the line about Helmut Marko and that Max had allegedly said if Helmut leaves, I’m leaving,”she said. “It wasn’t true. He said it was completely made up.”
Brookes’ comments have since been backed up by Verstappen who insists both Horner and Marko won’t be leaving the team any time soon. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, the driver was asked how his future would be impacted if either were to leave. “That’s why they are not leaving,” he said.
“Everyone is staying in exactly the same role. That has never really been a discussion. It’s very important when you are doing well, and the team are doing very well, that you keep those people that are very important to the success of the team. Everyone knows that.
“From our side, it has always been super clear. I don’t know why people outside the team were trying to doubt that. From our side, it’s always been clear that it has to stay that way.”
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Horner has also dispelled the claims after admitting that he owed his career to Marko in a recent interview with Mirror Sport. “Without Helmut, I wouldn’t be in the position that I am today,” he said. “Like with the young drivers that he has given an opportunity, he also gave me that opportunity. We’ve always enjoyed a very strong and open relationship.”
The Dutch driver’s departure would spell disaster for Red Bull, with Verstappen a dominant force. His latest title comes following a season of dominance, having won 14 of the 17 races so far this season. Red Bull as a whole have won all but one race – with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz claiming the Singapore GP, and Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez winning in Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan.
Verstappen would also be reluctant to leave having reaped the benefits of driving the best car on the circuits. Red Bull is next in action on Sunday in the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
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