Helmut Marko and Christian Horner’s Independence in Grave Danger After Red Bull’s Forced Shake Up

The way Red Bull dominated the 2022 F1 season, everyone would feel things are quite settled at Milton Keynes. Though the passing of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz was a huge tremor for the team. Besides being the founder of the Austrian drinks brand, Mateschitz was a huge fan of sports, especially F1. His demise has left a huge void at Red Bull.

Dietrich Mateschitz passed away during the 2022 US Grand Prix weekend. It was the same weekend when Red Bull sealed the constructors’ championship too.

The bond between Mateschitz and Helmut Marko was strong and their dynamic was the foundation of many major decisions at Milton Keynes. With Mateschitz gone, there are possibilities that Christian Horner and Helmut Marko might lose absolute control over the decisions in the racing outfit.

Since Dietrich’s passing, his responsibilities have been divided into 3 areas. Red Bull’s sports programs have been under the control of Oliver Mintzlaff. Mintzlaff was the CEO of RB Leipzig soccer club.

There were rumors that Mintzlaff has been a major supporter of Red Bull’s partnership talks with Porsche. Apparently, the Austrian team had called off talks about a Porsche partnership with arguably the fear of losing control of the team.

The Milton Keynes outfit put out a declaration about the same on September 9, 2022. They stated, “..over the past few months, Porsche AG and Red Bull GmbH have discussed the possibility of Porsche entering Formula 1. The two companies have now come to the conclusion jointly that these talks will not be followed up.” [translated via Google]

With Mintzlaff in the picture, it might be possible that talks with Porsche resume in the coming future.

Read More: “We Are Far From Finished”: Red Bull’s Taskmaster Helmut Marko Comes Out Firing Amid Burning Survival Questions

As things stand, Red Bull does not have any reason to change anything. The 2022 success points towards a good success path for the team.

How did the Red Bull-Porsche deal was called off, while Audi got it done?

The major manufacturers looking to enter F1 for 2026 were Audi and Porsche. Of the two, Audi already confirmed its 2026 entry as a works team with the Sauber group (currently Alfa Romeo). Meanwhile, Porsche was looking to partner with Red Bull, but the deal did not go through.

Apparently, Red Bull’s expectation was not clear, though there were rumors that they were not looking to lose the autonomy of the team. The German brand was keen to acquire a 50% stake in the Red Bull team. Porsche was looking to be more than just an engine manufacturer and supplier.

At first, when F1 and FIA finalized the 2026 engine regulations, Porsche was looking more probable to seal its entry into the sport. Meanwhile, its sister brand Audi was struggling to find a partner team to take over.

Steadily, the tables turned and Red Bull’s declaration came in September that the talks going on for months with Porsche won’t continue. This left Porsche without any lead on its F1 project.

Watch This Story: Christian Horner speaks on Audi, Porsche 2026 F1 partnership

As things stand, the Milton Keynes team will continue as a standalone team in F1, with the Honda engines under the RB Powertrains name. What do you think of Red Bull’s current performance? Do you think a long-term partnership with a manufacturer like Porsche will work for the Bulls?