Red Bull responds to Marshall's departure: 'Deal good for both parties'

Rob Marshall is leaving Red Bull Racing with immediate effect to join McLaren from next season. The Austrian racing stable's technical chief was employed by the team for more than 15 years but has now opted for a new challenge, with Helmut Marko saying that Marshall and Red Bull have parted amicably.

So there is no question of old pain. "We parted very peacefully. It is a deal that is good for both parties," Marko told Sky's German branch. "Rob was an incredibly important employee for 17 years. But we are so widely positioned by now that this departure will not have a serious disadvantage for us, I think. Or none at all."

Marshall's departure is about money

Max Verstappen already hinted in Spain that he understands Marshall's departure. According to the reigning world champion, it had everything to do with financial conditions. The 55-year-old Briton will reportedly earn a lot more at McLaren. Marko likewise thinks that was Marshall's motive for embarking on a new adventure.

"When we hear how high these offers [from the other racing teams] are, I wonder how that will work out with the budget cap," said the 80-year-old consultant, who does understand why the competition is pulling for Red Bull personnel. "It's natural to try to attract people from a team that is very successful."