Unless you are oblivious to what’s happening in the sport of Formula One, then you are well aware that one team and driver have been dominating the competition, namely, Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen. But race day domination doesn’t mean all is well off the track, and Red Bull is an example.
Let’s start by looking at who is at the top. Dr. Helmut Marko took over a few years ago when Detrich Mateschitz died. Since then, the outspoken leader has made his voice heard positively and mostly negatively. But Dr. Marko continues to be on the team, and while it would be interesting if he resigned because of turmoil, it doesn’t seem like that will happen. But the backstory at Red Bull is larger than Marko.
Christian Horner (L) with Helmut Marko (photo courtesy PlanetF1)
Christian Horner, the team principal, was accused of harassment by a former Red Bull employee. After a hearing from Red Bull, Horner was cleared. Yet, Jos Verstappen, a former Formula 1 driver who is also Max’s father, said that Horner should step down for the company’s sake. Of course, that assertion created more controversy, including asking Max for his opinion. While the younger Verstappen has not offered an opinion on the matter, he also said that he respects his father’s perspective on the sport very much.
And there’s more to digest going into one of the most fascinating races of the year, the long-awaited Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, which will be run on Sunday, May 5. News sources have reported stories that Adrian Newey, perhaps the best designer in many years in the sport, wants to leave Red Bull. But it isn’t clear whether (if it happens) Newey will leave Red Bull for another team.
The continuing team turbulence is unsettling, but it hasn’t impacted race results, at least not yet. The question is whether Red Bull will continue dominating the competition with all or some of its key members in place … perhaps stated more accurately, despite all or some of its key members in place.
