Max Verstappen is rumored to have secured a preliminary agreement with Mercedes F1, a move sparked by ongoing disturbances within the Red Bull Racing team, marking a significant potential shift in F1 dynamics.
The power struggle continues within Red Bull, and the saga is far from over, according to several reliable sources.
The Austrian and Thai factions remain at odds over the future direction of the Red Bull group.
It is worth noting that Red Bull Thailand, holding a majority 51%, aims to dismantle the Austrian subsidiary and manage everything from Dubai. In theory, this is feasible since, after the death of Dietrich Mateschitz, the Austrians no longer have veto rights with the 49% shares now owned by Mark Mateschitz, Dieter’s son.
While the power struggle and the Christian Horner scandal may have quieted down publicly, there is still much turmoil behind the scenes.
Some rumors suggest that Suzuka was Dr. Helmut Marko’s last appearance as a brand consultant. His absence from the post-race celebration photo has certainly sparked much discussion.
At Suzuka, the Austrian did not deny that the situation at Red Bull was still “ongoing” and far from stable, even revealing that Red Bull Thailand might sell RB F1.
Should Marko depart, Max Verstappen could trigger an exit clause in his contract.
According to several consistent sources in Austria, he has already reached (either in writing or verbally) a preliminary agreement with Mercedes F1 – in case this scenario unfolds – and would be ready to leave should Horner take over the group and Marko be ousted!
Red Bull Thailand would be willing to sacrifice Max Verstappen to promote one of its former drivers, Alex Albon. The Thai remains the group’s and Christian Horner’s first option, with the goal of making him world champion.
“For that to happen,” Marko responded, “Albon would need to sit in our car. But he has a contract with Williams until the end of 2025.”
Other rumors had suggested a return of Sebastian Vettel to support the team, but Marko dismissed this at Suzuka. However, it’s important to remember that the Austrian would no longer be a decision-maker if he were to be ousted.
Thus, the Red Bull saga is far from concluded and has yet to reveal all its possible consequences in F1 and beyond.
Verstappen Would Have Sealed Pre-Deal with Mercedes Amid Red Bull Woes. Verstappen Would Have Sealed Pre-Deal with Mercedes Amid Red Bull Woes
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