At Red Bull, the chaos continues. The dismissal of Christian Horner’s case, after an investigation by his own team through a lawyer from the British King’s Counsel (a leading group in the legal sector), has created more problems than solutions.
Recent events leave us perplexed about the real and important reasons for the investigation, i.e. the alleged ‘inappropriate’ behaviour from the Red Bull team principal towards an employee.
Why should the board of such a big team split after the result of the investigation? What’s the point of Jos Verstappen’s frontal attack on Christian Horner?
These are the questions that are demining a hugely turbulent time within the team.
“We can’t continue like this, the situation would explode if Christian remained in the team.
“He’s playing the victim when he’s the one causing problems,” said Jos Verstappen just a week ago.
The death of Dieter Mateschitz has shocked Red Bull’s internal politics
The successes of Horner and Marko’s team hid their strong, growing internal tensions after the death of Dieter Mateschitz.
It was the Austrian who held the biggest influence at Red Bull, receiving the trust of Chalerm Yoovidhya – who holds 51% of Red Bull’s shares.
With Dieter’s death, the political framework within the team changed.
Horner went over to Yoovidhya with a strong interest in becoming a shareholder in the team. Meanwhile, Yoovidhya never trusted Mateschitz’s successor, Oliver Mintzlaff, causing the Austrian side to lose power significantly.
It is no coincidence that the agreement with Porsche, strongly desired by the Austrian camp, was blown up by Christian Horner himself.
The German manufacturer wanted to join the team – not only as a technical partner but also as a stakeholder. This is something that clashed with the English manager’s ambitions.
Relations between Horner and the Austrian side began to deteriorate more and more. Not only with Marko and Mintzlaff, but also with those who have always been very close to the 80-year-old Austrian – namely Max Verstappen.
During last autumn, Horner worked behind the scenes to prevent Marko from renewing his contract.
However, partly thanks to Verstappen’s influence, Helmut Marko managed to secure a multi-year renewal.
Everything seemed calm until the beginning of February when the news relating to Horner’s investigation appeared in the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
In the following days, some alleged details of the affair were also published, which suggested an ‘easy’ removal of the team principal.
However, just under a month later, the English manager was acquitted. This did little to calm the situation within the team.
Not long after, over 70 screenshots, still unverified, were published – containing alleged messages sent between the Red Bull employee and Christian Horner.
This was sent via email to over 100 journalists and also to the most important positions at FIA and Liberty Media, as well as Jos Verstappen. It is clear that whoever circulated them was aware of all those email addresses.
The Austro-Dutch side did not even think of going to save Horner, making matters worse – especially given the words of Jos Verstappen after Bahrain.
This is especially significant because Red Bull owner Yoovidhya (who appeared very few times on the track) was at the Horner’s side. Many saw this as a very strong signal of intent.
The Yoovidhya – Horner duo on the attack after weeks of silence?
After the Bahrain Grand Prix and Jos Verstappen’s statements, the second part of this no-holds-barred fight began.
We are not going to dwell on the pure gossip linked to the alleged romantic relationships of the employee who filed a complaint against Horner.
But after weeks of playing mainly defence, it seems the Thai side, together with Horner, are on the attack.
They are no doubt aware of the important risks linked to them – but want to assert their decision-making power.
The last few days have seen the employee who accused Christian Horner suspended. Meanwhile, the team is internally investigating Helmut Marko – someone who is untouchable for Max Verstappen.
“It is believed that he was the one who leaked the chats to the press,” reported Austrian TV ORF.
A possible suspension for Helmut Marko is on the cards – and could be implemented within days.
At the suggestion of the Thai owners, Oliver Mintzlaff had asked Helmut Marko not to give any more interviews. However, the situation has escalated.
The Red Bull super consultant thus spoke on Austrian TV:
“What if I’m not in Australia? It’s still too early to tell. I have to decide what to do. But there is a theoretical possibility that I will leave the team.”
The 80-year-old Austrian made this clear, speaking directly in his typical fashion.
To clarify the matter, Marko will have a meeting tomorrow with Oliver Mintzlaff, who landed today in Jeddah.
“My responsible supervisor is Oliver. I have to talk to him, and then we’ll see.
“But everything must be in order for me to want to continue working for the team” said Marko, who could ask for Horner’s dismissal as a necessary condition to remain in the team.
But why is the Austrian’s presence in the team so important?
One of the clauses that could allow Verstappen to leave Red Bull is linked to Marko’s presence in the team.
It is no coincidence that having learned of Helmut Marko’s comments, the Dutchman immediately went to his defence.
“It is clear to me that Helmut must stay,” thundered Max Verstappen at the Saudi Arabian GP.
“I have great respect for him, and my loyalty towards him is great. I’ve always told everyone on the team.
“It’s an important part of my decisions, including my future. This is why it is very important that he remains in the team.”
These very strong words seem directed at Christian Horner and the Thai owner, who were clearly aware of Verstappen’s possible reaction.
But it is as if, for Horner, the possible farewell of the 3-time World Champion currently takes a back seat.
Christian Horner seems aware that, despite what has happened in recent weeks, relationships with some team members are beyond repair.
It’s an absolute power struggle, something that is perhaps also affecting the English manager personally.
This issue goes well beyond the track and Triple World Champion Max Verstappen, regardless of how bizarre this timeline feels.
But beware that the surprises, on both sides, may not be over, given the pressure that is coming on the Thai side.
Author: Piergiuseppe Donadoni
