Red Bull Racing principal Christian Horner has declared “nobody is bigger than the team” after Max Verstappen threatened to walk away from his contract in the ongoing tumult rocking the constructors champion.
Earlier in the weekend star driver Verstappen publicly linked his future at Milton Keynes to Red Bull motorsport adviser Helmut Marko.
Marko revealed on Friday that he could be suspended by Red Bull headquarters in Austria, with reports suggesting he was being probed over media leaks regarding the Christian Horner investigation.
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Verstappen threatened to quit the team if Marko was forced out.
“I’ve always clearly indicated that he has to stay, so I can’t continue without him,” he told the Dutch media, per Autosport. “Helmut is very important for the team and for me to continue.”
The latest twist in the unfolding saga has played into rumours of a massive power play among the team and energy drink brand’s heavy hitters.
In comments that appeared to be an oblique reference to the Verstappen camp’s public interventions in the running of the squad, Christian Horner told Sky Sports that no individual would be put above the interests of the team.
“Obviously a lot is made of this stuff, but we are one team, and nobody is bigger than the team,” he said.
“This team comprises different entities of over 1400 people. Everybody has a role to play, and that’s from the very bottom to the very top.
“The speculation is obviously rife, but the most important thing is the team and focusing on on-track performances.
“We all have a vested interest in achieving performances like we had today. It’s been a phenomenal team effort.
“I think it’s important to recognise that there are nine other teams trying to do what we’re doing, and it’s not that easy.
“You only do that by having a spirit, a culture and a determination throughout the entire company.
“Of course the drivers are driving the end product.”
Asked specifically about Jos Verstappen’s strident criticism of his leadership, Horner again emphasised that Max Verstappen was expected to play his role as a member of the team.
“Obviously there are rumblings,” he said. “I’m aware of what’s been said.
“Max is an important part of this team. He’s our driver and he’s doing a great job.
“As team principal and CEO I’m responsible for the running and the operation of this team.
“Everybody has to do their part. Max is doing his part. Everybody else is doing their part.”
The immediate risk to Verstappen pulling the pin on his contract appeared to be averted by a meeting between Marko and Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff before the race, with the Austrian manager saying he now intends to remain in the paddock.
“My contract still has three years to run,” he told Sky Germany. “But calm must return.”
Speculation persists that Marko could in effect be sacrificed to allow Verstappen to exit the team if he wishes, with reports that the three-time champion’s contract contains an escape clause linked to the Austrian’s ongoing employment.
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Horner wouldn’t be drawn on the conversation between Marko and the Red Bull top brass, but he used questions about the long-running motorsport adviser to emphasise for a third time that neither he nor Verstappen was above the team.
“Helmut is a consultant to Red Bull GmbH [in Austria], so whatever the discussion was was between them and not the team,” he said.
“Max is an important member of our team. He’s a valued member of our team. He’s a wonderful driver. But everybody has a role to play in this team.
“We are a team. No single individual is bigger than the team.
“That’s the only way you achieve these kinds of results. Today was Max’s 100th podium finish, all of which have been in Red Bull Racing cars. It was his 66th racing victory. We move ahead of Williams on 115 victories in what is only our 20th year.
“This is an incredibly strong team that has strength and depth that is achieving these kinds of results.”
Red Bull Racing recorded a second consecutive commanding one-two finish at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix led by Verstappen, who enjoys a 15-point advantage at the top of the drivers championship.
The team leads Ferrari by 38 points at the top of the constructors standings.
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