Max Verstappen and the future at Red Bull
Red Bull managed to regain unity when it was most needed, setting aside (but not forgetting) the controversies from the beginning of the year. These included internal power struggles between Christian Horner (accused of harassing an employee but backed by the Thai ownership) and Helmut Marko, which irritated Max Verstappen and contributed to Adrian Newey‘s departure.
The world champion, loyal to Marko’s “clan,” threatened to leave, taking advantage of interest from Mercedes (which at the time had not yet promoted Andrea Kimi Antonelli). Max Verstappen’s exceptional ability to separate racing from off-track issues helped him build a points gap over Lando Norris that ultimately proved crucial throughout the season.
Max Verstappen’s remarks
Having secured his fourth title, the Dutchman hasn’t forgotten the challenges from earlier in the season and continues to stand by the Austrian advisor. “I’m happy where I am. One of my conditions (for staying at Red Bull, ed.) remains the same: Helmut must stay,” he told *Blick*, referring to the man who discovered him and pushed for his debut on the grid in 2015, before he was even 18.
“Of course, it wasn’t a pleasant situation, but I maintain that with Dietrich Mateschitz (the Red Bull founder, who passed away in 2022, ed.), this case would have been resolved very quickly.” The case, it should be noted, was concluded this summer with Horner’s acquittal following an internal investigation, even on appeal. However, it highlighted how the foundation of Red Bull’s winning era rests on a very delicate balance.
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