F1 news roundup: Max Verstappen cautions Red Bull as Helmut Marko hinted at his departure.
Max Verstappen blasted to pole position for Red Bull once again, but there was turmoil off the track as Red Bull Racing senior adviser Helmut Marko’s future was called into question. Let’s explore each of the main issues of discussion.
Following his shocking admission to ORF that there is a “possibility” that Red Bull may suspend him prior to the Australian Grand Prix, Marko provided more details about Red Bull’s future plans for him.
On Saturday, more negotiations are scheduled between the two sides since Marko also needs to make a decision on his future at Red Bull.
Through the Red Bull junior system, Marko has been instrumental in the careers of several racers who have made it to Formula 1, with Verstappen maybe being the biggest success to date.
Given that Marko is the object of Verstappen’s understandable “loyalty,” the player has made it clear to Red Bull that his departure would be “not good for my situation” with the club.
Although Toto Wolff, the team principal at Mercedes, and Red Bull have not always agreed, it doesn’t seem that this has damaged the friendship between Marko and Wolff, who called the formidable Red Bull veteran his “favourite enemy” in the paddock.
However, Wolff is adamant that Red Bull Racing would suffer a “setback” if Marko is staring at the exit door.
As they are ready to enter the grid in 2026, Audi hopes to compete against Red Bull and Mercedes in Formula 1, but they will no longer do so through a cooperation with Sauber.
Rather, the German company has declared its aim to fully acquire the Sauber Group, and as part of the ensuing management shuffle, former McLaren team manager Andreas Seidl has been named CEO of the Audi F1 team.
