Gerhard Berger: “Helmut Marko and Adrian Newey Are Leaving and Max Is Going to Mercedes”

The Christian Horner controversy is really shaking things up at Red Bull with a powerplay that not many are thrilled about. Max Verstappen particularly is not on board with the changes and neither is his father Jos Verstappen. Other members who are being vocal about their concerns include team director Helmut Marko and star engineer Adrian Newey.

After the Bahrain Grand Prix, Jos Verstappen was pictured talking to Toto Wolff which raised suspicion of a possible transfer. With that, the entire F1 community started talking about the possibility of Verstappen joining Mercedes. Gerhard Berger–the former Ferrari driver–also shared his opinion on the situation at Red Bull.

The Red Bull attrition

Christian Horner wants to do things his way and that’s not settling well with the rest of the team. Many are unhappy with the changes that the team principal wants to implement and the tension in the team is noticed by everyone. Following the Bahrain Grand Prix, according to F1-Insider.com, Gerhard Berger said, “As things stand now: Horner is staying, Helmut Marko and Adrian Newey are leaving and Max is going to Mercedes.” 

Just 2 weeks ago, it was Christian Horner who was at the risk of losing his job. After clearing his name from the case, Horner made it clear that he was staying with the team. When he faced the media for the first time formally after the probe was cleared, Horner said, “I’ve always been entirely confident that I would be here. My focus is on the season ahead and the races we have ahead.” Since then, there have been visible changes in the team dynamic. It’s no secret that the 50-year-old has wanted Helmut Marko ousted from the team in the past. But the reason he is still with the team is due to Max Verstappen’s exit clause.

But with Verstappen rumored to leave Red Bull, Marko has publically stated that he will not get in his way. This means that Marko will quit his job if it means the 3-time world champion can go join a team for the betterment of his career. Following Marko and Verstappen’s footsteps could be Adrian Newey, who is also reported to be unhappy with the management. Formula 1 fans are at the edge to see what happens with the championship-winning team. However, Christian Horner seems unaffected by the investigation and is making his move.

What lies ahead for Christian Horner and Red Bull?

Ever since Christian Horner has cleared his name from the investigation and his private conversations have been allegedly leaked, the Red Bull principal is trying to gain power within the team. The accusations of inappropriate behavior have set in motion an internal power struggle at Red Bull.

Ever since the investigation started, Max Verstappen has been avoiding questions on the topic and turned his focus to his performance. Although he was asked to support Horner through this difficult time, the driver has not been interested in politics and has his mind on the race. The president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem also asked Verstappen to side with his team principal but the driver has not budged.

It was after this that Jos Verstappen was seen with Toto Wolff which sparked further speculations. Considering the team loses its star driver, engineer, and director, do you think Red Bull will still be the winning team in 2025? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Read More – F1 Rumor: Max Verstappen to Leave Red Bull to Join Mercedes Because of Christian Horner, Helmut Marko Concerned