Helmut Marko claims Max Verstappen ‘took a step back’ to focus on racing during tensions at Red Bull over Christian Horner’s investigation saga

Helmut Marko affirmed that Max Verstappen was not focused on tensions within Red Bull over Christian Horner's inappropriate behavior investigation.

Helmut Marko claims Max Verstappen ‘took a step back’ to focus on racing during tensions at Red Bull over Christian Horner’s investigation saga

Helmut Marko, Max Verstappen, and Christian Horner (via IMAGO)

Red Bull was in a state of turmoil at the start of 2024. Team Principal Christian Horner was accused of inappropriate behavior by a female employee at Milton Keynes. The Briton was given a clean shit by an investigation conducted by Red Bull GmbH. However, tensions within the team had escalated during this period. Now, Dr. Helmut Marko revealed how Max Verstappen dealt with this situation.

It was believed that Horner’s investigation had created a rift at Red Bull. So much so, that Max Verstappen might’ve considered leaving the team. However, Helmut Marko insisted that the Dutch driver simply took a step back and focused on racing at the start of the season. The 80-year-old praised the three-time world champion for doing a good job with four race victories in the first five races.

Max has taken a step back and focused on racing. So he did a very good job.
Helmut Marko told oe24
YouTube video

Helmut Marko affirmed that Red Bull needed to set aside the allegations against Horner. The Red Bull advisor highlighted that it was important for Milton Keynes to stay united and work together as rivals started to bridge the gap this season.

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That is something you have to put aside, particularly in a team and with technically challenging situation where everyone needs to work together.
Helmut Marko explained

Helmut Marko completely focused on Max Verstappen and Red Bull

Helmut Marko was rumored to potentially leave Red Bull over ever-increasing tensions with Christian Horner. Recently, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff admitted that he had become closer with the 80-year-old in recent weeks. Although, Marko’s current contract with Red Bull runs till 2026.

Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko
Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko (Credits: IMAGO)

The 80-year-old claimed that he was not focused on his future at the moment. Helmut Marko suggested that he’ll make a decision when the time was right. Marko affirmed that presently he was completely focused on Max Verstappen and Red Bull.

At the moment, everything is focused on Red Bull and Max Verstappen.
Helmut Marko asserted

Max Verstappen is a strong supporter of Helmut Marko. The three-time world champion’s Red Bull contract is even tied to Marko’s stay at Milton Keynes. However, it seems that the two will stay at Milton Keynes at least for the foreseeable future. Fans would be looking forward to seeing how things pan out in the coming months.

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