F1 News: Helmut Marko Admits He Considered Leaving Red Bull Before Christian Horner Allegations

Helmut Marko remains with the Milton Keynes team.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has disclosed contemplating his departure from the team prior to the controversy surrounding Christian Horner. This has come amid a tumultuous period marked by investigations and media scrutiny.

Key takeaways:

• Helmut Marko, a pivotal figure in Red Bull's motorsport division, contemplated leaving the team amid investigations involving team principal Christian Horner.
• Marko's potential exit became a significant concern, especially given his close relationship with star driver Max Verstappen, who hinted at leaving should Marko be ousted.
• An inquiry into allegations against Horner concluded with no evidence of wrongdoing, amid rumours of internal tensions and the potential for Marko's premature departure from Red Bull.

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Since joining the Red Bull motorsport department in 2005, the same year Christian Horner was appointed to lead their Formula 1 operations, Helmut Marko's influence has significantly increased, particularly through his work bring Max Verstappen to the team. 

Last week, the Horner found his future with the team in jeopardy as Red Bull conducted an internal investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour against a female colleague. Alongside this, Marko was then investigated into leaks of confidential information. This investigation ultimately absolved Horner of any misconduct, and Marko later confirmed that he will be staying with the team until the end of his contract - another three years.

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The implications of Marko's possible exit were magnified by Verstappen's strong stance, indicating a readiness to part ways with Red Bull should his mentor be forced to leave. 

“It is very important that he stays. I feel like if such an important pillar falls away, and I have told the team this, that it is not good for my situation as well," the 3-time champion admitted.

Verstappen's contract is understood to contain a clause allowing him to exit the team early under such circumstances, despite Marko being contractually tied to Red Bull until the end of 2026.

In a statement to De Telegraaf, Marko expressed his desire for a swift resolution to the ongoing controversy around Red Bull, citing considerations of leaving the MIlton Keynes squad at the end of the previous season. 

"I hope [the drama] will all be over as soon as possible," he told De Telegraaf. "I was already thinking about leaving at the end of last year, but I also think we should think about [Red Bull founder] Dietrich [Mateschitz's] legacy, what his ideas were and where they took us. We owe that to him."

Marko's potential suspension was promptly dismissed following discussions with Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff. 

"We decided that these rumours [of the leaks] were spread and had no legal background. I will not be suspended. Our goal is to win the world championship. For that we will have to work hard."

As Red Bull faces internal challenges, the team's commitment to overcoming these hurdles and focusing on future successes remains evident. And even after further rumours that Horner's career in Red Bull wouldn't make it to the Australian Grand Prix, a Red Bull spokesperson has since confirmed that he won't be going anywhere.