Marko admits Red Bull's problems are 'due to departure of key people'

Not only on the track, but certainly off it, it has been a turbulent year for Red Bull Racing. Influential people such as Adrian Newey (to Aston Martin) and Jonathan Wheatley (to Sauber/Audi) have already indicated their intention to leave. Moreover, the affair with Christian Horner played centre stage for a long time; with the team boss accused of inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague.

From the moment the fuss around Horner arose, Red Bull Racing has declined from the most dominant team on the F1 grid to a team in sporting trouble. Helmut Marko, the team's external adviser, sees no direct connection there. "It is obvious that such a thing does not help. But ultimately that has nothing to do with our technical problems," the Austrian told OE24.

What is the problem, according to Marko? "Rather, it is the departure of important people. If certain employees want to leave and get a good offer or see a new opportunity, they take advantage of it," said the Austrian, who is known to have been keen to keep Adrian Newey at the racing stable.

Marko reiterated earlier words that the upcoming races in Baku and Singapore should not expect miracles from Red Bull. However, it will be working hard in the coming period to solve the balance problems in particular. "In Austin, we have to show that we have managed the turnaround," he said.