Helmut Marko is unlikely to succeed Christian Horner as the team principal of Red Bull as the Formula 1 Silly Season continues to bring shocking news. After Carlos Sainz Jr.’s move to Ferrari, another surprising development has emerged regarding Horner. The 50-year-old has been accused of inappropriate behavior towards a Red Bull crew member.
In response to these allegations, Red Bull has launched an independent investigation into Horner’s conduct. If the allegations are proven to be true, the team will need to find a replacement for Horner without delay. Many believed that Helmut Marko would be the natural choice to take over as team principal at Red Bull. However, recent reports suggest that Marko has no interest in assuming this role in Milton Keynes.
Instead, it is speculated that the team manager, Jonathan Wheatley, could potentially step into Horner’s shoes as the team principal. Wheatley has been with Red Bull since 2006 and has steadily risen through the ranks to his current position. At 56 years old, he appears to be the most suitable candidate to fill the void left by Horner.
Horner has been an integral part of the Red Bull team since its inception in Formula 1. He was appointed as team principal when the team acquired Jaguar in 2005 and has led the team to numerous successful seasons. Under his leadership, Red Bull enjoyed Sebastian Vettel’s dominant years from 2010 to 2014 and has remained a force in the sport for the past three years alongside Max Verstappen.
Horner’s departure from the team would undoubtedly have a significant impact on Red Bull’s 2024 season and beyond. Therefore, it is crucial for the team to provide a swift and positive update as they prepare for the chassis launch on February 15. In the event of Horner’s dismissal, the team will need to address the issue of finding a suitable replacement promptly.