Apr.6 (GMM) Dr Helmut Marko has slammed reports that he has become increasingly disempowered at Red Bull.
Days ago, the energy drink brand’s well-known Formula 1 advisor was quoted as saying had had nothing to do with the decision last year to re-sign Sergio Perez.
“That wasn’t my decision,” he reportedly said. “I didn’t choose Perez, Christian (Horner) did.”
The Austrian broadcaster ORF asked Marko about it at Suzuka.
“Absolute nonsense!” he declared. “Nobody even knows the journalist.”
It’s been a tumultuous period for the once-dominant team, with a steady performance decline coinciding with high-profile staff departures and political turmoil.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown admits he played his role.
“Of course, our goal is to be as fast as possible ourselves,” he told TechStuff, “but there’s also the strategy of destabilising the opponent.
“If you can unsettle a rival, then it can slow them down while you pick up the pace.”
Red Bull’s latest turmoil has been predominantly driver-related, with first Perez and then Liam Lawson ousted as they were so far behind Max Verstappen.
Indeed, Verstappen was on pole at Suzuka, while Lawson’s replacement Yuki Tsunoda qualified P15 – even behind the man he replaced, Racing Bulls’ Lawson.
“Only Max can do that,” Fernando Alonso enthused about Verstappen’s stellar lap.
Marko, however, said Tsunoda simply made mistakes in qualifying – and should in fact have made it into Q3. “Yuki was only two tenths behind Max in practice,” he said. “We haven’t had that in a long time.
“It can now be understood why we swapped. We are completely satisfied,” Marko added.
According to Verstappen, however, Red Bull still has clear problems. “I have already said that our problem is not with the driver. It’s the car.
“The team decides who they put in the car, and I think that’s all fine, but we have to keep the focus on the problem, and that is the car.”
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2025 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas at the Circuit of the Americas - one of the world's finest racing circuits. This year's event features one of six Sprint races on the F1 schedule. Grand Prix Tours offers a fully appointed, personally tailored race experience for passionate enthusiasts at what has become a great American tradition and another anticipated sold-out event.
SHOW PACKAGES
The Indianapolis 500 is an American tradition, and the 2026 race marks the 110th year of this historic event. Guests of Grand Prix Tours will enjoy premium accommodations, options for exclusive suite access, and unforgettable race-day experiences, including a police escort to the track. Highlights include visits to the newly renovated Indy 500 Museum, Gasoline Alley, and the Dallara IndyCar Factory, plus patriotic pre-race festivities like the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.” Join us for our 41st trip to the legendary Indy 500!
SHOW PACKAGES
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES