F1 Today | Red Bull and Marko mystery develops into key storyline for US GP

It always seems to happen in Formula 1: an underlying off-track story waiting to develop during the upcoming race weekend. This weekend will feature one of the biggest underlying stories for a while. It is the United States Grand Prix, after all. In F1 Today, we round up the biggest news stories in the world of Formula 1 over the last 24 hours.

Red Bull rumours gather momentum

Recently, rumours of Marko's possible departure suddenly surfaced. The rumours came from Brazil's O Globo, which additionally suggested that Horner would prefer to see the Red Bull advisor leave in order to gain more power over the team himself. Commenting, Marko revealed that "he himself will decide on his own future, and not Mr Horner". He also denied the alleged meeting at which Red Bull's board would decide on his future.

Christian Horner has also responded to the rumours about the power struggle currently going on within Red Bull Racing. The team boss denies that he would like to see his Austrian colleague leave and endorses his words about his future, which he says Marko can decide for himself. Further response from Horner can be seen here.

The mystery continues, with Max Verstappen getting involved

Rumours are growing by the day, and German Auto Bild reports that it has been heard that Max Verstappen is taking sides in the fight. Horner is also said to be the instigator of a coup attempt within the team. Auto Bild says it has investigated the case and knows that Horner is planning a coup. Horner is said to be on good terms with Red Bull's Thai owners, who hold 51% of the shares. The Briton is also said to have leaked to the media that the Thai side of the company does not trust Marko and, therefore, would like him gone from Red Bull. The acting Red Bull boss on the European side, Oliver Mintzlaff, is also said to be on Horner's side.

The same news outlet lists the three-time F1 champion as a possible doorstop for Horner and the one who can convince Mintzlaff to make rigorous decisions to end the fight. Schumacher also managed to report that Verstappen would side with Marko. They said: "Auto Bild has learned from a reliable source that Verstappen has made it loud and clear in a personal conversation with both the Thai boss and with Mintzlaff that in case Marko has to leave he would also leave." A former F1 team manager then suggested that Marko should be pushed aside.

Staying with Red Bull, but moving onto the track, and all the focus is on Sergio Perez. Can he improve on his recent results at the United States Grand Prix? Rosberg understands Pere'z situation but warms there could be trouble around the corner.

In other news

McLaren have announced that an F1 Academy Race winner has joined their Driver Development Programme. Bianca Bustamante will represent the team in the 2024 F1 Academy. Alpine have seen more people invest millions into their team. This includes top athletes from various sports. It included Anthony Joshua, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Patrick Mahomes. And finally, Daniel Ricciardo has stated he is ready for his (second) comeback in F1, though he is thinking about the physical nature of COTA.