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via gpfans.comRalf Schumacher criticises Christian Horner's remarksRalf Schumacher has condemned Christian Horner's comments about former Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, calling them 'appalling'. Horner's recent memoir includes critical insights regarding Marko and Max Verstappen's early career at Red Bull.
via grandprix.comChristian Horner's memoir revisits Red Bull conflictsChristian Horner's upcoming autobiography, titled Drive, revisits his contentious relationships with Adrian Newey and Helmut Marko at Red Bull Racing. The book, set for release on October 22, includes Horner's perspective on his dismissal from the team.
via Motorsport.comWho slept best last night: Laurent MekiesLaurent Mekies, the new team principal of Red Bull Racing, is focused on fostering a supportive environment within the team. Under his leadership, Red Bull achieved its first double podium of the 2026 season in Baku, with Max Verstappen narrowly missing victory and Isack Hadjar returning from injury to secure a podium finish. Mekies has also successfully extended Hadjar's contract for 2027, demonstrating the team's trust in him.
Mekies' approach contrasts with the previous leadership, aiming to reduce internal politics and create a more positive culture. His efforts have been reflected in the team's improved performance this season, as they keep pace with competitors like McLaren. The emphasis on trust and support appears to be paying off, as evidenced by Hadjar's successful return to racing.
via RacingNews365Christian Horner drops 'nightmare' claim about Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen signingChristian Horner has made claims in his new book that Helmut Marko was initially hesitant to bring Max Verstappen into the Red Bull team, citing concerns about Verstappen's father, Jos. Horner describes Marko as a difficult character, labelling him as abrasive and disloyal, and expressed disappointment over Marko's cold treatment of him following his dismissal from Red Bull.
Horner reflects on his relationship with Marko, noting that while Marko had once given him his start at Red Bull, their dynamic changed, particularly after the death of team founder Dietrich Mateschitz. Despite Marko's early scepticism, Verstappen went on to achieve significant success, becoming a four-time world champion.
via PlanetF1Marko’s blunt Newey verdict as Red Bull takes ‘wrong direction’"They didn't start so badly, but then things went in the wrong direction..."
via PlanetF1FIA findings under scrutiny as Helmut Marko weighs in on Red BullHelmut Marko has stepped down from his role at Red Bull after two decades, expressing strong disagreement with the FIA's Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) criteria. He argues that despite Red Bull's internal combustion engine being rated the best, it does not represent the overall best power unit in Formula 1, as the ADUO system focuses too narrowly on engine performance alone. Red Bull has yet to secure a race win this season and is currently fourth in the constructors' standings, trailing significantly behind Mercedes.
The FIA's single-seater director, Nikolas Tombazis, has acknowledged that the ADUO system may require improvements, admitting that while the system has proven accurate, it has not satisfied all stakeholders. Marko's criticisms highlight a broader concern regarding the maturity of the current regulations, suggesting that a reevaluation is necessary to better reflect the complexities of modern power units, which include not just the combustion engine but also electric components and software.
via PlanetF1Is Liam Lawson the big winner of Helmut Marko’s Red Bull exit?Liam Lawson has found a silver lining in Helmut Marko's departure from Red Bull, as he no longer faces constant scrutiny from the former motorsport advisor. After a challenging start in 2023 and a brief stint with Red Bull Racing, Lawson has rebuilt his reputation and emerged as a preferred substitute driver for the team, recently scoring points at the Dutch Grand Prix.
As Lawson prepares for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, he will continue to drive the RB22 while Isack Hadjar recovers from injury. Guenther Steiner has noted that Lawson's confidence has improved without Marko's oversight, allowing him to focus on his performance and adapt to the car more effectively.
via RacingNews365Helmut Marko reveals Max Verstappen fear after 'dangerous' accidentHelmut Marko shared his concerns following Max Verstappen's crash at the Dutch Grand Prix, where Verstappen lost control of his car on the opening lap. The incident left his car sideways on the track, posing a risk of collision with oncoming drivers, but fortunately, the field managed to avoid a serious accident thanks to Liam Lawson's quick reflexes.
Marko expressed relief after confirming Verstappen was stable and unharmed, as the driver reassured him with comments indicating he was okay. The crash was alarming and highlighted the potential dangers of racing, especially in high-speed situations like Zandvoort.
via f1oversteer.comHelmut Marko insists Red Bull didn’t make a mistake letting Adrian Newey leaveHelmut Marko has expressed confidence in Red Bull's technical department following Adrian Newey's departure, asserting that the team can succeed without him. Newey, who resigned in 2024 after nearly two decades with Red Bull, designed eight championship-winning cars during his tenure and has since joined Aston Martin, which is struggling in the current season. Marko emphasized that the team has proven its capabilities even without Newey's influence, particularly after narrowly missing the championship in 2024.
Despite concerns about Red Bull's power unit, which has been deemed the benchmark and is currently not allowed upgrades, the team remains competitive. Marko's comments come amid a challenging transition period for Red Bull, with Pierre Wache stepping in as technical director. Meanwhile, Newey's new role at Aston Martin has not yielded immediate success, highlighting the difficulties faced by teams adapting to new regulations and designs.
via f1oversteer.comHelmut Marko says Red Bull made ‘financially difficult’ decision that’s holding Max Verstappen backHelmut Marko has expressed concerns regarding Red Bull's decision-making in the development of the RB22, suggesting that the team has made mistakes that are hindering both Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. The formation of Red Bull Powertrains and the partnership with Ford were significant steps, but the team has struggled to keep pace with competitors due to restrictions on engine upgrades and development missteps. Marko highlighted that these issues are compounded by the financial constraints of the cost-cap regulations.
As a result of these challenges, Verstappen's performance has suffered, leading to his lowest points tally since 2018 and a sixth-place standing in the championship. Both he and Hadjar have voiced frustrations about the car's performance, particularly its grip and balance, which have affected their competitiveness this season. The inability to upgrade their power unit mid-season further complicates Red Bull's situation as they seek to improve their standing in the championship.
via newsonf1.comMarko questions Verstappen's chances at MonzaHelmut Marko has expressed skepticism about Max Verstappen's chances of winning at Monza, citing a significant performance deficit for Red Bull. Despite some optimism regarding the low-downforce layout, Marko remains critical of the team's recent struggles.
via f1oversteer.comHelmut Marko believes Red Bull once made an even bigger signing than Max VerstappenHelmut Marko believes Christian Horner once made a signing for Red Bull Racing who remains a more important capture for the F1 team than Max ...
via f1oversteer.comHelmut Marko would have fought ‘very hard’ to stop Liam Lawson Red Bull call-up at Dutch Grand PrixLiam Lawson's recent call-up to Red Bull for the Dutch Grand Prix was a temporary measure due to Isack Hadjar's injury. Lawson performed well, finishing seventh, but there are speculations about his future with the team, especially with Nikola Tsolov being considered for the 2027 season. Helmut Marko, who previously held a significant influence at Red Bull, would have likely opposed Lawson's return, favoring the development of younger drivers like Arvid Lindblad instead.
Despite Lawson's strong performance, Alan Permane, the Racing Bulls team principal, is reportedly in favor of keeping him in the car, especially given his recent success. Hadjar is optimistic about returning to racing soon, but Lawson's solid performance has shown Red Bull that he can be a reliable option if needed.
via Motorsport.comLiam Lawson Replaces Isack Hadjar for Dutch Grand PrixLiam Lawson has been selected to replace the injured Isack Hadjar at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix for Red Bull Racing. This unexpected call-up marks Lawson's return to the team after his previous debut in 2023.
via f1oversteer.comHelmut Marko ended Yuki Tsunoda’s F1 comeback hopes with one of his final acts at Red BullYuki Tsunoda's hopes of returning to Formula 1 have diminished significantly, leading him to explore opportunities in IndyCar with Meyer Shank Racing. After a five-year stint in F1, Tsunoda's career was effectively halted when Helmut Marko blocked his move to Haas, which was seen as his best chance to re-enter the grid for the 2026 season. The decision came too late for Tsunoda, as Haas could not afford to wait for Red Bull's confirmation regarding his status as a driver.
As the driver market evolves, Tsunoda's prospects have worsened, especially with other drivers like Esteban Ocon underperforming and new talents emerging. With Marko's actions, Tsunoda's chances of a comeback in F1 appear to be over, as he has fallen behind other contenders for available seats. This situation highlights the competitive nature of the driver market and the challenges faced by those seeking to return after being dropped from a team.
via Formula1.comNikola Tsolov aims for Formula 1 seat in 2027Nikola Tsolov is currently leading the Formula 2 championship and is being considered for a potential Formula 1 seat in 2027. As part of his preparation, he will participate in a test event at Imola to evaluate his performance against fellow driver Liam Lawson.
via RacingNews365Jos Verstappen recalls surprise talks with Helmut MarkoJos Verstappen has shared his thoughts on the unexpected discussions he had with Helmut Marko regarding his son Max's entry into Formula 1. He expressed surprise at the negotiations that led to Max's promotion to the F1 grid as a teenager.
via grandprix.comRed Bull paid Marko 8m euros to stay silent?Red Bull has allegedly paid Dr. Helmut Marko 8 million euros as part of a termination agreement that includes a confidentiality clause, preventing him from giving interviews until the end of 2026. This move is seen as a departure from the outspoken culture fostered by the late founder Dietrich Mateschitz, with new management under Oliver Mintzlaff taking a more controlled approach to communication and leadership.
Critics, including journalist Ralf Bach and former driver Ralf Schumacher, have expressed concerns about the team's direction and the impact of Marko's absence. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen's confidence in the team's technical project appears to be diminishing, although he is expected to remain with Red Bull in 2027, primarily due to a lack of viable alternatives in the market.
via Motorsport.comGuenther Steiner praises Red Bull after major Mercedes F1 hireGuenther Steiner has expressed his support for Red Bull Racing's recent appointment of Gwen Lagrue as the head of its junior driver program, set to begin in 2027. Lagrue, who previously spent over ten years at Mercedes, is recognized for his talent development skills, having played a key role in identifying prominent drivers such as George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. Steiner highlighted the significance of this hire for Red Bull's future, especially following the departure of longtime motorsport adviser Helmut Marko at the end of the 2025 season.
Steiner noted that Lagrue's extensive experience in the field positions him well to continue the success of Red Bull's junior program, which has produced several notable drivers, including four-time world champion Max Verstappen. The move is seen as a strategic step to maintain the program's strength and ensure a steady pipeline of talent for the team.
via grandprix.comFans unsure 2026 overtakes are genuine says MarkoFormer Formula 1 figures Bernie Ecclestone and Dr. Helmut Marko continue to follow the sport closely, expressing mixed feelings about the current hybrid-era racing. While they appreciate the excitement of recent races, particularly in Hungary, Marko questions whether the overtakes seen this season are genuine or merely a result of strategic situations, such as battery management in the cars.
Marko highlighted the impressive performances of championship leader Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen, who has shown strong results despite trailing Antonelli significantly in points. The odds for Verstappen's championship bid have lengthened, reflecting the challenges he faces in the current competitive landscape.Page 1 of 2