Verstappen and Marko say quite a lot, without actually saying anything
General
- Ludo van Denderen
It's almost been forgotten: the second Grand Prix of the 2024 Formula 1 season will take place in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. Yet the attention in Formula 1 is currently on peripheral issues; for example, the investigation into Mohammed Ben Sulayem, with the president's future at the FIA emphatically at stake. And, of course, the unrest at Red Bull Racing, which is far from over. The latter is something they can blame themselves for.
It was not even 7:00 in the morning, and Helmut Marko was already making his presence felt via an Austrian website. Indeed, anyone reading the interview with the external advisor will see Marko saying "no comment" several times to questions about the future of Horner and Max Verstappen. Yet he revealed more in the story than you might think. For instance, Marko could have said there is no exit clause in Verstappen's contract if the external advisor parted ways with Red Bull. He stated, "No comment".
Or take the comment that Marko will only respond to the Horner case once it is fully concluded. Rightly, the interviewer remarked, 'That ís all wrapped up, isn't it?' An earlier quote from his good friend Gerhard Berger (Horner stays, Marko and Newey leave, and Verstappen switches to Mercedes) was called 'an interesting variation' by the Austrian. So this time, no 'no comment' or 'that's total nonsense'.
Max Verstappen backed Jos Verstappen
Later in the day in Saudi Arabia, Max Verstappen was more talkative, admittedly trying to keep a low profile. There was plenty to read between the lines: "It's me, my dad and Raymond all together," he said. And: "Of course, as a son of my dad, it would be weird to be on a different side. But from my side, I just want to focus on the performance side of things." Surely, such comments raise suspicions that Max Verstappen agrees with the harsh words Jos said about Horner last week - or at least does not disapprove or condemn them.
During the test in Bahrain, Verstappen said he understood that other teams were trying to take advantage of the turmoil within Red Bull Racing. The world champion said he would do exactly the same in a similar situation and would not blame the competition. Mercedes is currently playing this role.
Mercedes take their role
Persistent rumours about Verstappen's future could destabilise Red Bull; Mercedes knows that too. Unrest at the Austrians could actually drive Verstappen into Mercedes' arms. A win-win situation, then.
Meanwhile, there remains a constant stream of rumours surrounding Red Bull. The most notable story circulating this Wednesday? The rumour brought into the world by journalist Joe Saward that the Thai side of Red Bull would try to split off the racing team and continue independently with Christian Horner at the helm. For the record, it is a story that possesses no guaranteed truth.