Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s principal advisor, is undoubtedly one of Formula 1’s most divisive figures. The 80-year-old has a reputation for being ruthless when it comes to the team’s driver roster. For drivers like Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly, he has played both the hero and the villain. However, Marko’s zero-tolerance approach to incompetence has begun to disintegrate. But, ahead of the Austin Grand Prix, Max Verstappen silenced the doomsayers once and for all.

His recent frustration with an out-of-form Sergio Perez had created quite a commotion for the Austrian. To make matters worse for Marko, rumours of a power struggle within the Milton Keynes business began to circulate outside the paddock. There was speculation that Christian Horner was attempting to remove Marko from the squad that they had established from the ground up.

Max Verstappen shifts focus from ‘BS’ to honouring an important legacy

Verstappen was vocal about his support in favour of Helmut Marko at the FIA Press Conference before the US GP this weekend. That’s when the topic of the team’s mood came up among the rumours as we approached the one-year anniversary of the death of Red Bull‘s founder, Dietrich Mateschitz.

According to Verstappen, “I saw that, from the outside, people were trying to basically talk some BS because I think the mood in the team is very good,”. Which is not so far-fetched. The Milton Keynes team recently won their third consecutive driver’s title with Verstappen in the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull would not have had this success without Marko, who was instrumental in Verstappen’s move to Formula 1.

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He further elaborated on the team’s dynamics, “Everyone knows exactly what their role is. And of course, [there were] sad times last year when Dietrich passed away, but, you know, we’ve tried to keep that legacy, keep moving forward, and everyone that we have right now in the team is very important to that success that we’re having.”

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Max Verstappen wants to focus on the legacy left behind by Mateschitz and aims to build on it. He also thinks the team are behind him on this journey. “So that’s why there are also no changes for the future”, Red Bull looks to continue to function the way it has been, whether outsiders like it or not.

‘Wouldn’t be where I am today’ – Christian Horner joins Marko’s defence

When we talk about the most decorated team principals, Christian Horner is edging closer to the hall of fame. He has been Red Bull Racing’s Team Principal ever since 2005! The former British racing driver is responsible for 13 Titles during his time with Red Bull (6 Constructors’ and 7 Driver’s Championships).

But Horner reflects on the one man who helped him the most. “Without Helmut, I wouldn’t be in the position that I am today,” Speaking on his relationship with Marko and whether it was in jeopardy, he added, “For as long as he wants to continue – he’s still a very spritely 80-year-old – I don’t see any change in the way that we work. Roles evolve and the business has evolved so much since we first came into the sport. Operationally, I run this on a day-to-day basis.“

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While it may not work out for every team, Red Bull’s approach of using Helmut Marko’s inputs when making vital decisions has mostly played out for the better. But they now find themselves in an awkward situation, with 5 drivers in their roster, and only 4 seats available. Putting aside the rumours, Horner and Marko find themselves left with a difficult decision to make.