Helmut Marko considered leaving Red Bull in 2023

Red Bull's triumphant start overshadowed by off-track turmoil

While Red Bull has enjoyed a dominant start to the 2024 Formula 1 season, with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez securing a pair of 1-2 finishes, the team's on-track success has been overshadowed by a series of off-track controversies and internal power struggles.

Marko's candid admission: contemplating departure

In an interview with Dutch publication De Telegraaf, Helmut Marko, Red Bull's senior advisor and the architect of the team's driver development program, revealed that he contemplated leaving the team during the latter stages of the 2023 season.

"I was already thinking about leaving at the end of last season,"

Marko admitted, offering a rare glimpse into the internal dynamics at Red Bull.

Marko's revelation comes amid growing speculation surrounding his relationship with Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner.

While Verstappen has been vocal in his support for Marko, the same cannot be said about Horner, whose future with the team has been questioned by Verstappen's father, Jos.

Verstappen's unwavering loyalty to Marko

Verstappen has made it clear that his and Marko's futures at Red Bull are intertwined, a stance that has added further complexity to the situation.

Notably, Marko chose to fly home from the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with Verstappen, rather than with Horner, as is traditionally the case.

Respecting Mateschitz's legacy

Despite contemplating an exit, Marko revealed that his decision to stay was influenced by a desire to respect the legacy of Red Bull's late founder, Dietrich Mateschitz.

Marko explained:

"We owe that to him, but I also see it as a kind of respect to an incredibly amazing personality,"

Verstappen's future and Mercedes' interest

As the internal dynamics at Red Bull continue to unfold, Toto Wolff, Mercedes' team principal, has expressed his interest in signing Verstappen for the 2025 season, when Lewis Hamilton is expected to depart for Ferrari.

Marko acknowledges that Verstappen's talent will open doors across the grid, should he choose to leave Red Bull.

With Verstappen's continued dominance and the potential for a fourth consecutive world championship, the internal power struggles at Red Bull are set to intensify.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the team's ability to navigate these challenges and maintain their competitive edge on the track.