Despite 'ceasefire', peace is far from a reality at Red Bull

There is said to be a ceasefire between Christian Horner, Helmut Marko and the Verstappen camp. Yet peace is far from a reality. Max Verstappen keeps his sights on racing during media day in Australia, but in the background, tension clearly keeps bubbling away.

It has been the talk in Formula 1 for months, and it is no different in Australia: how to proceed at Red Bull Racing. A power struggle is tearing the so successful team apart with potentially major consequences for the future. Peace has still not been restored in Australia, although rumours suggest the three main players have decided on having a ceasefire.

Several media reported that Horner, Marko, and Jos Verstappen discussed this. Yet GPblog have learned that these talks between all parties did not take place at all. All parties do want peace, preferably soon, but there is certainly no sign of it yet.

How Horner is trying to seize power

Everyone seems to want Horner out, but one man keeps him in the team. The Red Bull Racing team principal feels supported by the shareholders of Red Bull GmbH, but it is mainly Thai Chalerm Yoovidhya who has his back. According to German media, the latter is reportedly even considering appointing Horner as CEO of Red Bull GmbH.

This is logically against the grain of Red Bull Austria. Under Dietrich Mateschitz's leadership, this side had full control of the team, despite a 49 per cent minority stake. With Mateschitz's death, the right to make personnel choices lapsed, and that power reverted to Thai.

Horner reportedly switched his attention in time from Austria to Thailand. In talks with the Thai shareholder, he is said to have suggested bringing Alexander Albon back to Red Bull Racing. A Thai in this dominant Red Bull could possibly mean the first Thai F1 world champion, and Yoovidhya is keen on that.

Why Verstappen wants to leave Red Bull Racing

That power grab does seem to come at the expense of people within the team. "Nobody is bigger than the team," Horner said of Max Verstappen's possible departure. Internally, GPblog heard something different: "That's exactly what he should say." Indeed, internally, there are increasing voices about that Horner is trying to seize power and that he feels bigger than the team.

Helmut Marko was reportedly almost shown the door twice already but was saved each time by Verstappen's camp and Red Bull Austria. Within Verstappen's camp, they are worried about how to proceed and are seriously looking at other options for next year.

When asked in Australia about his future at Red Bull Racing, Max Verstappen remains politically correct. Yes, he has a contract until 2028 and intends to serve out that contract. However, where in previous years Max was very clear about his future with the team, the three-time world champion is now fighting serious battles over his future. After all, they important puzzles of the team do need to be retained, according to Verstappen, and let that very thing not be on Horner's schedule.

Not only is Marko about to leave, but rumours surrounding Adrian Newey are also growing. According to German media, the top designer is said to be in advanced talks with Ferrari. Red Bull Racing denies everything and points to the new contract Newey signed a year ago. In addition, Newey would not want to give up his RB17 Hypercar lightly.

What would Verstappen's potential departure mean for Red Bull?

However, the biggest loss from Horner's power grab seems to come at the driver level. If Horner stays on, Verstappen's camp may look elsewhere. The contract would contain clauses to leave, and as Horner himself said, 'If someone doesn't want to be here, they don't have to stay here.' In other words, if Max really wants to leave, he can go.

Toto Wolff is waiting for Verstappen with open arms and a big smile. Both camps have already said enough sweet things about each other in the media to make 2021 seem almost forgotten. The big loser still seems to be Red Bull. Horner may think he can solve everything with the return of Alexander Albon, but that is no Verstappen. Yes, Albon in the RB21 would have a great chance of winning the world title, but it is a big risk to let perhaps the most important person walk to your biggest rival. Maybe with a Mercedes, Verstappen will also win the world title.

Horner apparently thinks everything about that. He seems hell-bent on getting more power within Red Bull Racing. It seems to be at the expense of Helmut Marko, Max Verstappen and possibly Adrian Newey. In the background, competitors and the woman who made the complaint are still crying out for more transparency about the investigation of the contact between the woman and Horner. If they can get that done, the tide may still turn, but it may be too late by then.