The world of Formula 1 is always swamped with rumors of personnel changes. In fact, in the past couple of years, we have seen an incredible number of team personnel change teams with intra-team poaching at its peak. However, Red Bull has been untouchable in this regard. The top brass at the Austrian team has always been intact and worked as a big family. However, this scenario might soon change as Red Bull could let go of their oldest serving member Helmut Marko. However, the Austrian advisor might have the last laugh as he picked up a prestigious award for his critical thinking, reiterating his invaluable contributions.

The RBR advisor became a bit too much to handle with his nonchalant statements toward his own team members. In this day and age, every team needs to maintain a public image and Red Bull is all about that. In fact, even the fans expressed their disgust with Marko’s insensitive comments and demanded his resignation. Now we know Dr. Helmut Marko is a very tough cookie and doesn’t easily crack. So instead of a resignation, he went and picked up a $10,500 award in his hometown.

Helmut Marko receives a prestigious award for his critical thinking

The former racer turned RBR’s godfather has been with the team back when it was just an idea in Dietrich Mateschitz’s head. The Austrian has been part of the team since its inception but that does not discount his contribution separate from the team. Marko’s importance in Formula 1 has put the state of Styria on the map which has also contributed to its economic growth.

This is exactly why Marko was awarded the Gerhard Hirschmann Prize for Critical Thinking by the state. The Austrian picked up the award in his hometown Graz. This award is awarded biennially with a purse of $10,500 (€10,000). The jury honored Marko “for his decades of work – also behind the scenes – with regard to the sporting and economic development of Styria.”

Speaking at the award ceremony, the State Governor, Christopher Drexler, also had some kind words for the Austrian.

“He contributed to Formula 1 being firmly rooted in Styria today and thus created invaluable advertising value for the region and our homeland. Our economic and cultural impulses for the city of Graz and especially for its old town have also given him our Country has a lot to thank,” said the State Governor as quoted by the Austrian website Puls 24. “Whether motorsport, business or art – Marko’s fields of action and creative drive are as diverse as Styria itself.” [translated via Google]

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This recognition from his state will make it difficult for Christian Horner to tell the oldest member of the team of his dismissal. In case you don’t remember the controversy, let us jog your memory.

Why is Helmut Marko’s future at Red Bull in doubt?

We all know how Sergio Perez started the 2023 season with the mindset of challenging his teammate Max Verstappen for the championship. We also know how that turned out for Perez. During his poor run, there was a spell where the Mexican just couldn’t get a foothold on his qualifying sessions. When asked to address Perez’s poor run, in his justification Marko made an extremely insensitive statement.

“We know that he has problems in qualifying. He has fluctuations in his form, he’s South American and so he’s not as focused in his head as Max or Sebastian (Vettel),” he said.

This reply got the entire world of F1 pointing fingers at Marko for his insensitivity and cultural appropriation. The Austrian quickly issued a public apology and redeemed himself.

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However, this scenario has now put Marko’s future in the sport, especially with Red Bull in doubt. If they go through with it, it will surely be the end of an era for Red Bull.