Helmut Marko expressed his intention to continue working with Red Bull, but emphasizes the need to restore calm within the team. However, achieving this seems to be a challenging task. The recent crisis within Red Bull escalated during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, when it was revealed that an issue involving Marko could lead to his suspension or his decision to step down from his significant role in the team. Reports suggest that Marko is being investigated by Red Bull GmbH for leaked information, which may be related to Christian Horner’s recent high-profile investigation into alleged misconduct with a staff member, among other issues.
Marko is known for speaking freely with various people in the Formula 1 community, including the media. This has often irked Red Bull, as he is not considered an official spokesperson despite his position within the organization. The attempt to silence or suspend Marko, as he stated on Friday, has left him contemplating whether it is worth continuing with Red Bull, assuming he is not forced to leave.
Red Bull’s World Champion, Max Verstappen, expressed strong support for Marko, emphasizing that his departure would have serious consequences for his own future. Marko had discussions with Red Bull executive Oliver Mintzlaff on race day in Jeddah, and subsequently told Sky Germany that they had a positive conversation and that he will continue in his role. However, Marko also stressed the importance of restoring calm, which is currently uncertain.
Although Marko’s continuity at Red Bull temporarily avoids a confrontation over Verstappen’s future, it only masks the underlying tensions within the team. Red Bull is currently far from calm, with a power struggle threatening to divide the team internally. What initially started as a personal controversy of Horner has turned into a broader conflict that demands transparency from Red Bull’s partners, the F1, and the FIA. Despite the investigation conducted by Red Bull GmbH dismissing the allegations against Horner, the crisis has deepened, leading to further internal conflicts.
Verstappen had remained neutral in the internal disputes at Red Bull. However, his unwavering support for Marko now aligns him with a specific faction within the team. This raises the question of whether Verstappen’s position puts him in conflict with others within the organization.
Marko’s situation is just the latest development in the complex internal dynamics at Red Bull, which existed even before the Horner scandal. Tensions between Marko and Mintzlaff were already known, and by the end of last year, Marko’s relationship with Horner had also deteriorated. Marko’s decision to extend his contract with Red Bull until early 2024 was seen as an attempt to align himself with Mintzlaff.
Following their discussions in Jeddah, it is possible that the animosity between Marko and Mintzlaff has decreased, and the real conflicts are between Horner vs. Marko and Horner vs. Mintzlaff. It is believed that Horner wants majority shareholder Chalerm Yoovidyah to support him as the sole leader of Red Bull’s sporting activities, effectively marginalizing Mintzlaff and Marko. In return, Yoovidyah would ensure that the Thai side of Red Bull is not marginalized as the Austrian branch gains more control.
Yoovidyah and Mintzlaff have a meeting scheduled in Dubai on Sunday. If Yoovidyah supports Horner as majority shareholder, Mintzlaff may have no choice but to comply. This raises the question of whether restoring calm is really possible if everyone remains in their current positions. It also highlights the impact of Marko’s situation on Verstappen, as he made it clear that their futures are intertwined.
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Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is back in the spotlight with another controversy. This time, the Portuguese player was caught at an underground party, disregarding the social distancing measures imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Images shared on social media show Ronaldo without a mask and crowded with other people.
The event, which took place at a luxury nightclub in Lisbon, was organized to celebrate Ronaldo’s team’s victory in the national championship. However, the party turned into a real scandal, as Portugal is facing a worrying increase in the number of coronavirus cases.
Local authorities have already opened an investigation to investigate the case and apply the appropriate punishments. In addition, Ronaldo is also being heavily criticized on social media and by the press for his irresponsible behavior. Many believe that the player, who is an influential public figure, should set an example and respect the safety measures.
This is not the first time Cristiano Ronaldo has been involved in controversies during the pandemic. Last year, he was accused of traveling to Madeira Island, his hometown, even though he was infected with the virus. Additionally, the player has been caught several times without a mask at public events.
Meanwhile, the player’s fans are divided regarding his behavior. While some defend him, claiming that he has the right to enjoy his personal life, others criticize him and demand that he be held accountable for his actions. Now we must wait for the consequences that this new controversy will bring to Cristiano Ronaldo’s career.
