Max Verstappen has been plying his trade with Red Bull since the 2016 season of Formula 1.
Helmut Marko, Max Verstappen, and Christian Horner (Via: IMAGO)
Several recent reports have suggested that Verstappen may depart from Red Bull in favor of another team. These speculations gained traction after Verstappen was seen alongside representatives from another team at the Bahrain GP. In response to these rumors, Red Bull has addressed the situation.
The team has become embroiled in a state of internal conflict following the leak of confidential documents by an anonymous source. Consequently, rumors have circulated within the paddock that Verstappen is considering leaving the team due to the ongoing crisis.
Red Bull’s spokesperson commented on the matter:
Marko, in his statement, made it clear that he would not interfere with Verstappen’s decision to leave the team for another. It is also rumored that Verstappen’s contract includes a clause that allows for an immediate exit if tensions within Red Bull continue to rise.
Prior to the Bahrain race, confidential documents were leaked within the paddock. These documents were subsequently shared with various Formula 1 personnel and journalists across different regions. As a result, multiple team principals have raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the investigation. Marko has now addressed these leaked documents.
In addressing the issue, Marko expressed his surprise:
Marko himself was taken aback by the content of the leaked documents. Furthermore, the 80-year-old clarified that he had not personally seen the documents and was equally shocked by their contents.
Consequently, Red Bull finds itself entangled in a legal battle regarding the fairness of the investigation. The team faces the difficult decision of whether to remove their CEO/team principal if the reports are proven true. These reports are damaging the brand’s reputation, and the longer this ongoing saga continues, the more harm it will cause.