HELMUT MARKO: THE DEVISIVE CHARACTER WHO HELPED RED BULL TO BECOME MODERN F1 POWERHOUSE

Helmut Marko will step down from his role with Red Bull

At the end of two decades at Red Bull, possibly the most divisive character in modern Formula 1 in Helmut Marko, can be credited with a huge role in the team’s success.

While Marko has grabbed headlines with sharp-edged comments, his influence surrounding the young driver programme at Red Bull can and should not be understated.

In his two decade spell in association with Red Bull, Marko has overseen the development of 20 drivers into F1, including the most successful in Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel.

With Vettel and Verstappen at the helm, Red Bull won eight Drivers’ titles and six Constructors’ Championships between 2010 and 2024, along with over 100 race victories.

Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments, branded the outgoing Marko “an engine of innovation, and a cornerstone of international motorsport”.

“His instinct for exceptional talent not only shaped our junior program but also left a lasting impact on Formula 1 as a whole. Names like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen stand for the many drivers who were discovered, supported, and guided to the very top under his leadership. His passion, his courage to make clear decisions, and his ability to spot potential will remain unforgettable.”

Aside from the title winners, Marko has also unearthed plenty more talented drivers who have had healthy stints in F1, with seven of the 20 drivers on the grid in 2025 having advanced through the Red Bull junior programme. And as F1 and Red Bull enter an exciting new era, Marko’s eye for talent could see the Red Bull family on the front foot in 2026.

Helmut Marko unearthed Isack Hadjar, who will race with Red Bull in 2026

Red Bull’s new era

Isack Hadjar, who steps up to the senior team for 2026, and Arvid Lindblad for Racing Bulls, will be the last two drivers to emerge from Red Bull’s talent pool under the control of Marko.

Hadjar’s exciting debut F1 season, which saw him become the youngest French driver to stand on the podium, alongside Lindblad’s promising Formula 2 campaign, sees Red Bull in a good position to enter F1’s new era in 2026.

Alongside a new engine partnership with the Ford Motor Company under the helm of new Team Principal Laurent Mekies, 2026 will be the first season for Red Bull without its cornerstone team members.

Marko marks the last figurehead of the original Red Bull F1 project to depart the Milton-Keynes squad and the end of a significant era of success for team.

After the departures of Johnathan Wheatley, Adrian Newey and most notably long time Team Principal Christian Horner it felt like a matter of time before Dr Marko would step away and allow Red Bull to enter its new evolution under the steady hand of Mekies.

While Marko has been a huge influence in Red Bull’s success in regards to his ability to spot talent early, his departure seems timely as the Red Bull brand looks to the future under a completely new leadership structure.

This alongside a list of controversies sees it unsurprising that Red Bull keen to enter its new era without such a divisive figure at the forefront of its future.

Helmut Marko was a divisive character in the paddock

Not without controversies

After the death of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022, someone with whom Marko had a close relationship, and significantly, the departure of Red Bull’s two-decade-long team boss Christian Horner midway through 2025, Marko’s position within the team has become increasingly untenable.

Away from his tremendous success regarding the young driver programme, Marko has had a tumultuous history of stirring the pot and saying the wrong things.

The Austrian has clashed with Red Bull’s new management style on multiple occasions since the team’s change in direction including derogatory statements made regarding then Red Bull driver Sergio Perez in late 2023.

Marko had blamed Perez’s fluctuations in form on the track on the Mexican driver’s ethnicity claiming ” he is South American and he is just not as completely focused in his head as Max is or as Sebastian.”

More comments aimed towards Andrea Kimi Antonelli after this season’s Qatar Grand Prix, where Marko claimed the Italian had “waved Norris past” on the penultimate lap in Doha, saw the Italian receive thousands of messages of abuse for an honest on-track mistake.

This alongside a failed attempt to oust Marko in early 2024 has soured the atmosphere within the Red Bull family and dampened spirits despite the team’s great successes and dominant recent seasons.

While F1 will remember Marko for his success in cultivating Red Bull’s driver talent, a string of controversies will always linger on a somewhat tarnished legacy.

- Daniel Harris

MEKIES REVEALS SHOCK CALL THAT MADE HIM RED BULL TEAM BOSS

 

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Laurent Mekies has revealed the exact moment he was informed he would replace Christian Horner as team principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing – describing it as a bolt from the blue that he had to "quickly digest" before embracing the challenge.

Red Bull stunned the Formula 1 paddock earlier this month when the energy drink company announced that Horner, who had led Red Bull Racing since its inception in 2005, was stepping down with immediate effect and replaced by Mekies, previously in charge of sister outfit Racing Bulls.

Speaking to F1.com ahead of his first race weekend in charge at Spa-Francorchamps, the Frenchman described the whirlwind moment when Red Bull GmbH managing director Oliver Mintzlaff and motorsport advisor Helmut Marko delivered the news.

"Obviously, it came out of the blue, as [it did] for you guys, so mine was probably quite similar to you," Mekies said.

"I received a call a few hours before everyone was made aware. And it was from Oliver and Helmut, and it took me by surprise.

"Initially, I asked them if you have to think about it and then you quickly realise... then try to digest and then you say, well, wait a second, it's Red Bull calling you to step in that role. How can it be anything else than an honour and a privilege?

“So, you get that Red Bull energy feeling there, and that's how it happened. Obviously, I called them back, and the rest is history."

From Shock to Strategy: Mekies Outlines His First Moves

While the appointment came with little time for preparation, Mekies quickly focused his attention on building relationships inside the team and understanding the internal dynamics of one of F1’s most successful operations.

"I think the biggest element was then how do you get into it. The first thing that pops into your mind is, you need to meet the people and that was really what was in my mind,” he explained

"How do you now use the time? To meet these incredible people, to meet the teams, to start to get to know each other, to start to interact, to understand the strengths, to understand the dynamics, to understand all of that."

He acknowledged the early days are still part of a long learning curve.

"And it's been only two weeks, and you are nowhere near where you want to be, but it's a completely different feeling once you start that process and you get to know more people every day, so it makes it quite an incredible journey."

Mekies now faces the immense task of leading Red Bull into its post-Horner era, with the team's on-track form under scrutiny and star driver Max Verstappen closely watching developments.

But for the 48-year-old engineer, the sudden opportunity is one he now fully embraces – with Red Bull’s signature energy already carrying him into a new chapter.

- Phillip van Osten

RED BULL ISSUES 'VALID CONTRACT' WARNING TO MAX VERSTAPPEN AMID MERCEDES F1 LINKS

Helmut Marko has reminded Max Verstappen of his contract with Red Bull

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has reminded Max Verstappen that he has a “valid contract” with Red Bull, amid growing speculation he may switch to Formula 1 rivals Mercedes.

Verstappen’s whereabouts in 2026 have been the subject of increasing speculation, with a myriad of different accounts all pointing towards discussions with Mercedes.

A Verstappen exit from the Milton Keynes-based squad would thoroughly put the icing on the cake of what has been a tumultuous period for the team, exacerbated by the shock firing of Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner.

The team is also bracing itself for a tough first year under the new regulations next year, with Horner warning that it would be “embarrassing” if Mercedes were to be outperformed by Red Bull, in its new partnership with Ford.

But when asked by OE24 about the rumours of Verstappen’s potential switch to the ‘silver arrows’, Marko replied: “Max can meet with whoever he wants.”

It is widely believed that Verstappen can trigger an exit clause in his Red Bull contract if he is below fourth place in the Drivers’ Championship at the summer break.

Verstappen is currently third in the standings, with 46 points separating him from that and fifth place, currently occupied by Charles Leclerc.

A bigger dip in form for the team would place it in an invidious position, but assumption dictates that if Verstappen is able to hold on to his current placing, the hierarchy in Milton Keynes can temper its nerves.

Marko doubled down on the contractual situation that Verstappen has, reminding the four-time World Champion that his deal runs through 2028.

“We have a valid contract and we assume that Max will stay with us,” he said.

However, it was reported last week that Mercedes’ CEO Ola Kallenius has given the green light for the team to try and sign Verstappen, which could mean that it is prepared to pay the necessary compensation in order to spring Verstappen from his current deal.

- Jack Oliver Smith

SEBASTIAN VETTEL CONFIRMS RED BULL TALKS OVER F1 RETURN

Sebastian Vettel has been tipped as a potential successor for Helmut Marko at Red Bull.

Sebastian Vettel has confirmed that he has been in talks with Red Bull over a potential non-driving return to F1. 

The four-time world champion retired at the end of the 2022 season having won all of his titles with the team between 2010-2013.

In his latter years, Vettel became a fierce advocate for mental health, the environment, and human rights, and has been tipped as a potential successor to Dr Helmut Marko as the head of the Red Bull young driver programme - of which he was the first truly successful graduate.

Marko is 82, with Vettel still only 37, having retired at 35, and has been a presence in the paddock occasionally since. 

Talk of a driving comeback is now fully over, with Vettel addressing links to succeeding Marko.

"There have been a few headlines now, I still get along very well with Helmut, and we are also in exchange on the subject," Vettel told ORF.

"These are not yet so intense, and in-depth, but it may be something where I can play a role, but in what form, it will show. 

"But I have to admit that I haven't been close to F1 in the last few years, but I think Marko knows what he is doing - and no matter what happens, you can still learn a lot from him."

"Marko is not replaceable, let's leave it at that, such as his character, and he has done a very large amount for the team since 2005, and it might not be the goal for someone to replace him. 

"He's said a few times that he is going to stop, but he is still there, and I wish he would stay for a long time, but he will go at some point, and he knows it. 

"He is a brutal realist and can judge things quite well, and he will know when the time is right."

- Jake Nichol

VERSTAPPEN NOT LEAVING SAYS HORNER AMID RUMOURED $300M BID BY ASTON MARTIN

Max Verstappen will continue to drive for Red Bull next year, team principal Christian Horner has stated following rumours of a lucrative offer from Aston Martin.

Red Bull is facing further speculation over their star driver’s future after he fell to third place in the championship at the previous round. The team’s motorsport consultant Helmut Marko last week claimed Verstappen could exploit an exit clause in his contract if he is not inside the top three by the summer break in August.

Asked whether Marko’s claim was true, Horner said: “I think ‘noise’ is exactly the right word to describe it.”

“There’s been a lot of noise outside of the team,” he told Sky. “Inside the team, I think Max again reaffirmed his commitment yesterday.”

Horner said Verstappen will “absolutely” continue to drive for Red Bull in 2026.

Verstappen’s dissatisfaction with the team’s dip in performance last year prompted claims he could move to a rival team before his current deal with Red Bull ends in 2028. The first rumours of an approach from Aston Martin emerged earlier this year.

Today La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed Aston Martin has offered Verstappen a three-year deal worth $300 million (£226m). The Italian newspaper claimed Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which has spent heavily on other sports, intends to buy the team and will finance the bid for the four-times world champion.

Horner downplayed Marko’s fears Verstappen could leave the team. “People are always going to have their concerns,” he said. “As a team we are very much focused on sorting this car out. Sort the car out, it doesn’t even become a discussion point.”

Verstappen and team mate Yuki Tsunoda ended the first practice session at the bottom of the top 10. Horner said the team had “gone a little radical on some of the set-up,” in that session.

“We’ve got plenty to look at. We ran the cars slightly differently as well, so that we’ve got that info. 

- Keith Collantine

RED BULL CONFIRM MAX VERSTAPPEN TEAM- MATE FOR REST OF 2025

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Helmut Marko has stated Yuki Tsunoda will remain alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull until the end of the F1 season.

The Japanese driver assumed the seat from Liam Lawson for his home grand prix at Suzuka. Whilst it was not the debut weekend the 24-year-old would have hoped for, Marko has confirmed the Milton Keynes squad will not make further changes this term.

Verstappen scored an improbable victory, built upon the foundation of a superb pole-securing qualifying lap, but Tsunoda's Q2 elimination left him powerless to prevent finishing point-less in P12.

However, he was significantly closer to the Dutchman through practice than Lawson could manage in Australia and China.

According to Marko, Tsunoda wanting a similar set-up approach to Verstappen means the latest Red Bull driver pairing fits better.

"Yuki is actually happy with Max's set-up. They have the same preferences, so it fits well together," Marko said to Austrian broadcaster ORF.

"Of course, it is important for us to have two cars in the points," he added, addressing Tsunoda's underwhelming output for the weekend.

However, the Austrian was also quick to highlight how well he fared up to qualifying, despite the lack of preparation afforded him.

"The first race went fairly smoothly. He was always two-to-three tenths behind Max in practice and qualifying until he was eliminated," the 81-year-old said.

"That's quite an achievement when you don't get more time," before concluding, "Yuki will finish the season at Red Bull."

- Samuel Coop

RED BULL 'NEVER CONSIDERED' DANIEL RICCIARDO APPROACH TO REPLACE LIAM LAWSON

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Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko is adamant that the team “never considered” approaching Daniel Ricciardo about a possible Formula 1 return to replace Liam Lawson

Earlier this week, Red Bull announced that Lawson’s stint with the senior team had been cut short two rounds into 2025 amid a disastrous beginning to the campaign.

Lawson’s demotion has seen Yuki Tsunoda become the fifth driver to partner Max Verstappen since 2019 in a spot that has become renowned as a poisoned chalice.

Red Bull’s strive to resolve the team’s ongoing second driver conundrum had even extended to granting Ricciardo a reprieve with the group’s sister squad in mid-2023.

However, the Australian was unable to produce the results to inspire a dream avenue back to Red Bull, prompting him to be dropped with six rounds to go last season.

But with Ricciardo remaining the most competitive team-mate Verstappen has had, Marko was asked whether Red Bull had contemplated getting in contact with him.

“No, that was never considered,” Marko, who allegedly wanted to curtail Ricciardo’s comeback with Racing Bulls even earlier in 2024, retorted to Motorsport.com.

“Daniel had his last race and has since completely distanced himself from Formula 1.

“He was briefly in Australia [for the Grand Prix], yes, but I think he left again on Thursday. It was never a topic.”

Ricciardo indicated F1 career was done

Ricciardo had indicated once the curtain came down on his last race in Singapore that his failure to reunite with Verstappen at Red Bull had spelt an end to his career.

“I think [I] acknowledge also why I came back into the sport, sometimes you see the big picture,” Ricciardo told media including Motorsport Week at the time.

“I always said I don’t want to be a guy who’s just here on the grid and fighting for a point every now and then which has kinda been how this year’s gone.

“Obviously this year the purpose was to try and do good enough to get back into Red Bull and fight for wins again, see if I’ve still got it.

“I felt like I came up short with that, so I think it’s then, ‘ok what else am I fighting for here, what else is going to give me fulfilment’.

“I’ve been a young driver as well and at some point I don’t just want to take up space also, obviously you have to be selfish.

“But for me if I’m not able to fight at the front with Red Bull I have to ask myself what am I staying on the grid for, that’s something I’ve also come to peace with.”

- Taylor Powling

HELMUT MARKO REVEALS MAX VERSTAPPEN "NOT HAPPY" AFTER LIAM LAWSON EXIT

According to Helmut Marko, Max Verstappen is "not happy" with Red Bull's decision to replace Liam Lawson after just two race weekends.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Getty Images

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has revealed that four-time champion Max Verstappen is "not happy" after the team decided to drop Liam Lawson ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. 

After just two race weekends of his rookie Formula 1 season, Red Bull announced that Lawson is moving back to its sister team Racing Bulls, and Yuki Tsunoda will be taking the spot alongside Verstappen from the Japanese Grand Prix onwards. 

The Milton Keynes squad assessed both Lawson and Tsunoda in the latter stages of the 2024 season to decide who would replace Sergio Perez in the team for 2025. Despite the Japanese driver's four-year experience in Racing Bulls, they opted to sign Lawson, citing his ability to consistently perform under pressure. However, after just three races, including the sprint race in China, the team has made a U-turn on this choice. 

After the announcement was made yesterday, Marko has revealed to De Telegraaf that Verstappen is not happy with the decision. He explained:

"We know Max is not happy. But we need two cars at the front. Not only for the constructors' championship but also to help Max to his fifth world title. Then you can achieve more strategically in races. We can use Yuki's experience and form now. That counts.

"At the end of the day, that is to the advantage of the team, and that also means to the advantage of Max."

Speaking before the team made the final decision, Marko also explained why the team didn't choose Tsunoda in the first place:

"Yuki was too inconsistent. That's why we unanimously decided on Lawson. But under the increased pressure, he couldn't deliver, right from the first day in Australia. Then he went into a downward spiral. It's like a battered boxer; it's very difficult to get out of it. In that sense, it was a mistake."

The Japanese Grand Prix weekend is the first opportunity Tsunoda will have to get behind the wheel of the RB21.

- Lydia Mee

LEWIS HAMILTON MUST FOLLOW STRICT RULE AT FERRARI THAT NO OTHER F1 TEAM HAS INCLUDING MERCEDES AND RED BULL

Hamilton will have to adapt.

Lewis Hamilton will have to follow a strict rule this year at Ferrari which could concern the seven-time World Champion.

Hamilton arrived at Maranello on Monday and posed in front of Enzo Ferrari's white house alongside the iconic Ferrari F40.

The 40-year-old will be in Italy all week and is expected to make his on-track debut for the Scuderia on Wednesday, likely driving either the 2021 or 2022 Ferrari challenger.

Ferrari is by far the most prestigious team on the grid, so it's no surprise that Hamilton wants to tick it off his bucket list as he approaches the end of his career.

Racing for Ferrari will be a completely different responsibility for Hamilton due to the team's history, and his new team operate under long-standing rules that Hamilton will have to live with.

Other teams on the grid quite openly have a driver hierarchy within the team, for example, Max Verstappen is given priority on strategy for Red Bull and Hamilton himself received similar treatment at Mercedes when teammates with Valtteri Bottas.

Red Bull chief Helmut Marko even confirmed Liam Lawson should not 'expect to beat' Verstappen in 2025 as that 'isn't his role'.

At Ferrari however, the team itself is treated as a kind of higher power and must come before any individual, so the notion of having a number-one driver is not considered by the Italian team.

Team Principal Fred Vasseur reiterated this point last year:

“We showed this season that we have more than equal treatment between the drivers,” Vasseur told media.

“I remember perfectly that one year ago in the same room, I had tons of questions about Charles number one and Carlos number two and 'blah blah blah'.

“It's not that we have a number one that’s a bigger asset. We have two drivers, they are doing a good job," Vasseur stated.

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix- Getty

This could become an issue for Hamilton given his recent form, particularly given he is up against Charles Leclerc who is coming into his prime years.

Despite holding the record for most pole positions in the sport's history, Hamilton's qualifying form was disastrous by his own admission in 2024.

Leclerc has a 100% record of out qualifying his teammate across a full season, and without a certified number-one driver Ferrari are far more likely to give their lead driver a preferential strategy.

- Tom Jenkins

MARKO REFLECTS ON HIS 'BIGGEST MISTAKE' IN F1 DRIVER CHOICES

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Red Bull motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous Formula 1 stars, including Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, and Daniel Ricciardo.

However, while Red Bull’s driver program has provided dozens of young talents with opportunities to join motorsport’s elite, many were unable to fully realize their potential at the highest level.

Reflecting on those who fell short of expectations, Marko recently acknowledged that signing Nyck de Vries to AlphaTauri in 2023 stands out as the "biggest mistake" of his distinguished career.

A Promising Start That Faded Quickly

De Vries first turned heads with an exceptional debut performance at the 2022 Italian Grand Prix, where he stepped in for Williams at short notice and scored points with a stellar ninth-place finish.

This performance, coupled with his impressive résumé – which included championships in Formula 2 (2019) and Formula E (2020-21) – earned him a seat at AlphaTauri for the 2023 season.

However, the Dutchman's F1 tenure proved short-lived. Over the first half of the season, de Vries struggled to adapt to the highly competitive environment, being comprehensively outperformed by teammate Yuki Tsunoda.

AlphaTauri

His struggles culminated in his mid-season replacement by Daniel Ricciardo, marking the end of his brief stint in Formula 1.

“My biggest mistake? No doubt about it, it’s Nyck de Vries,” Marko said , speaking to Autosprint.

“He did very well on his debut for Williams in Monza. But once he got to AlphaTauri, he didn’t progress.

“He had an incredible track record, FIA F2 champion, also Formula E world champion, but with us the stopwatch said Nyck was the wrong choice. And in trying to go faster, he made mistakes.”

A Career Beyond F1

Since leaving F1, de Vries has returned to familiar territory, rejoining Formula E – where he previously thrived.

However, his 2023-24 campaign with Mahindra Racing yielded a lowly 18th position in the electric series’ Drivers’ standings.

His 2024-25 campaign sees him driving for Mahindra Racing for a second w team, while he also competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Toyota.

The 29-year-old is on the FE grid again this season, while he’s also been retained by the works Toyota squad in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Still a Foot in F1’s Door

Despite his unproductive stint in F1, de Vries has maintained a link with F1.

Late last year, he completed a TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) session with McLaren, fueling speculation about a potential simulator or reserve driver role with the Woking-based team.

With the Woking-based team losing its reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa to Alpine, de Vries may be called upon to fulfill the back-up role.

"We are going through our test programme and evaluating some drivers," commented McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown said.

"Nyck is one of them. It's about a possible position as a simulator driver, test driver and tyre tester. Unfortunately, they won't let me do that, so we have to look at others!

“Nyck is obviously a great talent, so we want to see if we can rekindle the relationship with him. He's done a good job and we'll see what will happen."

- Phillip van Osten

MAX VERSTAPPEN COMPARED TO A SQUIRREL 🐿️ AFTER ADDING MORE DISTANCE TO LANDO NORRIS

Max Verstappen extended his lead at the top of the F1 standings on Sunday.

Red Bull star Max Verstappen was compared to a squirrel after extending his lead at the top of the F1 Drivers’ Championship standings at the United States Grand Prix. The 27-year-old crossed the chequered flag in fourth place but then climbed above title rival Lando Norris after the McLaren man was handed a five-second penalty.

Ferrari ace Charles Leclerc produced a dominant display at the Circuit of the Americas to cruise to his third victory of the season.

Carlos Sainz joined him on the podium, with much of the day’s drama occurring behind the Scuderia duo.

Verstappen was passed by Norris on Turn 12 with four laps remaining as he dropped down a place in the pecking order.

But the Briton was deemed to have run off the track and was ultimately sanctioned by the stewards following the conclusion of the race after refusing to concede his position on the track.

The result saw the Dutchman bag 23 points across the weekend following his victory in Saturday’s Sprint race, with Norris adding 18 points to his season tally after finishing third in the Sprint. And Verstappen stretched his overall lead over Norris at the top of the F1 standings to 57 points, with five races remaining.

After the Grand Prix, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko was asked about the afternoon’s action. And the 81-year-old explained: “Max is a bit like a squirrel. They pick up every nut they see lying around. When it comes to world championship points, Max has the same philosophy.”

Norris appeared to be in the ascendancy ahead of Sunday’s Grand Prix, having clinched victory in two of the previous four races. Verstappen, meanwhile, hasn’t finished first since overcoming Norris at the Spanish Grand Prix in June following a precipitous downturn in fortunes for the Red Bull car.

But Verstappen will be hoping his imperious form in the early stages of the season, which saw him win seven of the opening 10 races, has provided him with the cushion he needs to end the season on top.

The F1 season continues in Mexico at the weekend, ahead of races in Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

“It was crystal clear that the pass had been made off the track so Lando should have given the place back,” asserted Red Bull chief Christian Horner as he discussed the decision that ultimately resulted in Verstappen claiming more points than Norris over the weekend.

“He chose not to, so therefore there was a penalty and for us it was very much a black and white scenario. It was a slam-dunk. You want the right people on the podium. The stewards dealt with it pretty rapidly and decently.”

- TOM PARSONS

MCLAREN CHIEF ZAK BROWN SAYS RED BULL EXPLANATION FOR CONTENTIOUS DEVICE DOESN'T STACK UP

Red Bull confirmed on Thursday they have agreed a plan with the FIA to make alterations to their car following complaints from rivals over a contentious ride-height device on the RB20; watch Sprint Qualifying on Friday night at 10.30pm live on Sky Sports F1

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McLaren chief Zak Brown says Red Bull's explanation for the existence of a contentious ride-height device on their car "doesn't stack up" and that he expects "massive consequences" if they are found to have been using it illegally.

Red Bull, whose driver Max Verstappen leads McLaren's Lando Norris by 52 points at the top of the Drivers' Championship ahead of this weekend's United States Grand Prix, confirmed on Thursday that they have agreed a plan with the FIA to make alterations to their car following talks with the sport's governing body.

McLaren were among rival teams who suspected a device on the RB20 could enable Red Bull to advantageously change the car's ride height via the 'bib' at the front of the floor when in restricted 'parc ferme' conditions, which would be in breach of the sport's regulations.

While confirming the existence of the device, Red Bull insisted it could not be used for anything untoward as it was not accessible to use when the car was fully assembled.

The FIA earlier said that it had "not received any indication of any team employing such a system," but that the use of such a device would be against the rules. The governing body also said it would increase its monitoring from Austin onwards to make sure no such systems were being used, with the application of seals on the parts in question a possible method.

What is a front bib/T-Tray in F1?

Sky Sports' Nigel Chiu:

A front bib, or T-Tray, sits underneath and towards the front of an F1 car.

It is a mounting point for the wooden plank, which all F1 cars have.

Imagine a T-shaped tray, that’s what a front bib is, similar to a splitter on a more conventional racing car, or road car.

The front bib can change the ride height of the car and, in qualifying, teams will want to run the car as low to the ground as possible to create downforce.

But, if it is too low, then the wooden plank will be worn out and regulations limit the amount of plank wear a car can have.

At the 2023 United States Grand Prix, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc were disqualified for too much plank wear.

By adjusting the front bib, the front wing height can also be impacted, which affects the balance of the car.

In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports F1's Danica Patrick on Friday morning in Austin, Brown said: "Why would you design it to be inside the car when with the nine other teams it's designed to be outside the car?

"Ingenuity is part of Formula 1, and then there are black-and-white rules. You cannot touch your race car, other than for things like driver comfort.

"They chose their words very carefully, saying 'when the car is fully assembled', but you're allowed to not have the car fully assembled in parc ferme when you're working on driver comfort.

"Also, what doesn't quite stack up is the comment that you can't modify it. Well then why does the FIA feel they need to put a seal on it? If it's not accessible post or during parc ferme, then why put a seal on it?

"So, I'm very happy to see the FIA is on it. I think it needs to be a very thorough investigation because, if you touch your car from a performance standpoint after parc ferme or in parc ferme, that is a black and white, material, substantial breach, which comes with massive consequences."

The controversy follows McLaren being asked by the FIA to alter a 'mini-DRS' rear wing device on their car after last month's Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Norris went on to claim a dominant victory in Singapore the following week.

Brown added: "I think transparency is critically important in today's day and age. I still have questions. I know from talking to other team bosses, they still have questions.

"Until those questions are answered I think it is still an ongoing investigation to bottom out. What do we know? I would like some more answers before I'm prepared to go, 'right, they were, they weren't'. But I think the FIA will bottom it out."

Red Bull give remarkable demonstration as Marko denies illegality

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko insisted following first practice in Austin on Friday that Red Bull's device is "completely legal" and that he guesses "nearly every team has it."

Marko told Sky Italy: "It's completely legal and it was known to all the other teams because you know we had informed the FIA about that.

"I guess nearly every team has it. And you can't change it between qualifying and the race, so that's the main thing.

"So, nothing illegal. I don't know why so much fuss is being made about it. I think someone is trying to take away the attraction of some other issues.

Also following the opening session in Austin, Red Bull appeared to perform a demonstration of how the device operates for two FIA officials in their garage.

Watching the demonstration from the pit lane, Sky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz said: "This is the Red Bull number one mechanic Ole Schack demonstrating to two scrutineers from the FIA's technical department exactly how they do it.

"I never thought that they were actually going to be this open. Ole Shack is actually showing how he puts the device into the footwell of the car, once the driver is out, which adjusts the ride height of the front of the car.

"So part of this is for the FIA to actually understand how the device works in a little bit more depth, because today and yesterday would have been the first chance the FIA would have had to do it. And how they're going to measure it, perhaps with a seal, perhaps with any other form of measurement.

"And what happens once Sprint qualifying and the first parc ferme period begins later this afternoon Austin time? The FIA needs to understand 'well, how are we going to measure whether you're changing the floor in parc ferme as the allegations have been against you.'"

The FIA said the demonstration was part of checks they are carrying out on all cars in relation to front bib adjustments.

"We are just checking that all the cars comply with our new requirement," an FIA spokesperson said.

How the controversy came to light

The fresh technical controversy blew up on Wednesday when the FIA confirmed that it had been made aware by some teams of the presence of a ride-height-altering device on a rival's car.

The governing body made clear the use of any such device under parc ferme conditions would be against the regulations and that it was altering its procedures from Austin to make sure no such systems were being used.

"Any adjustment of the front bib clearance during parc ferme conditions is strictly prohibited by the regulations," said the FIA statement.

"While we have not received any indication of any team employing such a system, the FIA remains vigilant in our ongoing efforts to enhance the policing of the sport.

"As part of this, we have implemented procedural adjustments to ensure that front bib clearance cannot be easily modified.

"In some cases, this may involve the application of a seal to provide further assurance of compliance."

With what has become a thrilling F1 season set to resume in Austin after a near month-long break, the issue was the talk of the paddock on Thursday morning, with speculation rife over which team had such a device.

The mystery was suddenly dispelled when Red Bull released a statement confirming that their RB20 did contain such a tool.

"Yes, [it] exists, although it is inaccessible once the car is fully assembled and ready to run," a Red Bull spokesperson said.

"In the numerous correspondence we have with the FIA, this part came up and we have agreed a plan going forward."

Red Bull's statement came shortly before title contenders Norris and Verstappen fulfilled their media obligations ahead of the Sprint weekend.

Norris said the device could have aided Verstappen this season if Red Bull were exploiting it, and that the FIA's newly implemented procedural adjustments could impact the RB20's performance for the six remaining rounds of the campaign.

"It's one thing having it on your car, it's another thing on how much you exploit it and use it, which we have no idea on," Norris said.

"If it has been helping them, if they have been utilising it in a way people think they have, maybe it will shift in our direction.

"But, when you talk about things like that, they won't have got several pole positions or wins because of that device.

"I don't think it will change anything in the scheme of things. Maybe at certain qualifyings when it has been split by hundredths or thousandths, you might say, 'okay, maybe this has helped in this direction or that direction'."

With Red Bull adamant the device was not being used to contravene the parc ferme regulations, Verstappen said the fact that details of the feature were available to other teams on FIA servers under regulations revolving around open-source parts showed they were not trying to hide anything.

Asked about the reaction inside the team to Thursday's events, Verstappen said: "Nothing. I mean, it's open source, right? Everyone can see it.

"For us, it was just an easy tool when the parts were off that it was easy to adjust. But once the whole car is built together, you can't touch it. So, for us, it doesn't change…

"When I read it, I was thinking about 'are there other teams doing it?' And then I found out it was related to our team. We never even mentioned it in the briefings, so it's just an easier tool to adjust stuff."

Verstappen added that it had "no" benefit on car performance.

- Sky F1 

MARKO: VERSTAPPEN WILL WIN THE FIGHT OVER 'MENTALLY WEAK' NORRIS

XPB

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko is confident that Max Verstappen will prevail against Lando Norris in the 2024 F1 title battle, citing what he perceives as the "mental weaknesses" of the McLaren driver.

Norris has emerged as Verstappen’s closest challenger following the summer break, scoring 80 points – including two wins – to Verstappen’s 54 points and no victories in the same period.

However, the Dutchman still retains a 52-point lead over his rival with six rounds – including three Sprint events – to go.

Bit the momentum is clearly with McLaren, although Red Bull’s performance in Singapore last time out hinted at a potential turnaround for the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

Marko remains unshaken in his belief that Verstappen’s talent and resilience will see him through to the end.

Asked on Motorsport Magazin's YouTube channel who he expected to emerge as the 2024 champion, Marko didn’t hesitate: "Verstappen!"

When pressed on why he was so certain, given Norris’ recent form and Red Bull’s inconsistencies, Marko was clear in his reasoning.

“He’s the best, he’s the fastest, and, above all, he has the mental strength to theoretically fight for the world championship more than Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris.”

Marko went further in his assessment of Norris, suggesting that the McLaren driver’s mental approach could be a weakness in the intense battle for the title.

"We know Norris has some mental weaknesses," Marko claimed. "I've read about some of the rituals he needs to do to perform well on race day."

While Marko did not elaborate on the specifics of these so-called weaknesses, his comments seem to point toward Norris’ own admission of pre-race nerves and anxiety.

Norris has been open about the psychological challenges he faces in the high-pressure environment of Formula 1, particularly as he now finds himself fighting for wins and podiums more regularly.

However, the 24-year-old has insisted that while nerves are a factor, they do not overwhelm him.

"I don't think of it at all," Norris said recently when asked if he feels extra pressure now that he’s contending for the title.

"I think there's always pressure, which is the main thing. For the races, I still get just as excited and just as nervous."

"I don't eat anything on Sundays. I struggle to drink on Sundays, just because I’m nervous, just because of the pressure."

McLaren 

Despite these nerves, Norris believes he has learned how to channel them into positive energy that enhances his performance.

"I think it's just how you turn it into a positive thing, how do you not let it affect you in a bad way," he explained. "How can you actually use it in a good way to help you focus on the correct things?"

With six races left and plenty of points still up for grabs, the battle between Verstappen and Norris is set to go down to the wire.

McLaren’s resurgence, combined with Norris' own determination, will certainly keep the fight alive.

But for Marko, there is no question: Max Verstappen’s mental strength will ensure he emerges victorious once again.

- Phillip van Osten

CHRISTIAN HORNER ON HELMUT MARKO

 

SEBASTIAN VETTEL ON LEWIS HAMILTON

 

HELMUT MARKO MEME | RACIST RED BULL

 

HELMUT MARKO'S RACIST COMMENTS TOWARDS SERGIO PEREZ

 

FORMULA 1 SUPPORTS SERGIO PEREZ OVER RACIST COMMENTS TOWADS HIM FROM RED BULL'S HELMUT MARKO

 

HELMUT MARKO STATES THAT HE CAN IMAGINE LANDO NORRIS DRIVING FOR RED BULL, NOT HAMILTON

 

F1: HELMUT MARKO SAYS RED BULL HAS THE BEST CHASSIS NOW

Red Bull's motor sports adviser Helmut Marko says Red Bull has the "best" chassis now...