F1 News

helmut marko talks to Red Bull Mintzlaff

'Marko in crisis talks with Mateschitz successor Mintzlaff'

9 March at 16:19
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  • GPblog.com

It remains unsettled in the world of Formula 1. While the focus should really be on the racing, there are a lot of things happening both inside and outside the paddock. For instance, Helmut Marko and two top Red Bull executives are said to have had a crisis meeting in Jeddah. What exactly this conversation was about is unknown.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko is suspected of leaking information about team boss Christian Horner and this could potentially lead to the 80-year-old Austrian getting suspended. According to information from German Motorsport-Total, a crisis meeting took place on Saturday before the race in Jeddah between Helmut Marko, Oliver Minztlaff (CEO of Corporate Projects and New Investments of Red Bull GmbH) and Franz Watzlawick (CEO of Beverage Business of Red Bull GmbH). What exactly was discussed in this meeting is unclear, but it seems to concern the situation surrounding a possible suspension of Helmut Marko.

'Talks together with Thai owner Red Bull'

It seems it was a positive conversation, as Marko and Minztlaff walked into the F1 paddock smiling together after this meeting. The Dutch De Telegraaf spoke briefly to Minztlaff about the crisis meeting. "All I can say about that is that we had a good conversation," he said. Furthermore, the two Red Bull CEOs, Minztlaff and Watzlawick, will reportedly fly together to Dubai after the Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia to have a meeting with Chalerm Yoovidhya. This is the Thai man who owns 51% of Red Bull.

Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen has revealed that he is very loyal to Marko. It is important to him that the Red Bull advisor stays with the team. The Dutchman even hinted that if Marko leaves, he will also leave. Minztlaff told the Telegraaf: "Max is a great driver, and he has a contract with us. I am here to encourage the team."