Jun.27 (GMM) Dr Helmut Marko has denied reports he is deliberately skipping Red Bull’s home grand prix to avoid an uncomfortable reunion with the team’s current leadership.
Germany’s Bild had claimed the retired Red Bull motorsport adviser is staying away from Spielberg to avoid a confrontation with Mark Mateschitz, Chalerm Yoovidhya and Oliver Mintzlaff amid growing concern over Max Verstappen’s future.
“I don’t avoid anyone,” the 83-year-old insisted.
Marko, who lives just an hour from the Red Bull Ring in Graz and is even serving as a new ambassador for the Austrian GP, said his absence simply reflects his decision to retire fully from Formula 1.
“I’ve decided to stop after 30 years in Formula 1,” he told Bild.
“That means stopping completely. I want to gain some distance. That’s why I haven’t gone to a single race this season, and I intend to keep it that way.”
Asked if it hurts to miss Red Bull’s home race, he admitted: “Yes, absolutely.
“But I’m a very principled person. I’m currently focusing on new real estate and hotel projects. That keeps me busy enough.”
Marko insists, however, that he remains a devoted follower of the sport.
“Yes, of course,” he said when asked if he still watches Formula 1.
“Since all these new updates and changes to the cars have been introduced, I also watch the practice sessions and qualifying sessions again.”
When told Formula 1 is clearly still in his heart, he replied: “That will always remain the case.”
Despite persistent speculation surrounding Verstappen and reports that long-serving chief engineer Paul Monaghan is also heading for the exit, Marko is not predicting a collapse at Red Bull.
“No, I don’t,” he said.
“We have always brought in new, very good people from other teams and have been – and certainly will remain – committed to giving good young players the chance to move up.
“Sometimes it takes a little time for everything to mesh together again in this cooperation.”
As for Verstappen, Marko is hoping Red Bull’s major upgrade package introduced this weekend helps convince the four-time world champion to stay.
“Basically, I’d like to say that we have a surprisingly strong engine,” he said. “And I’ve read that Red Bull is coming to the track with a lot of updates.
“If they all work, that would be a good sign for the rest of the season and the chance that he stays.
“I believe and hope that Max continues to have faith in Red Bull, ignores the exit clauses, and fulfills his contract until 2028.
“That would be the best thing for Red Bull.”
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