'Utter nonsense': Marko tears apart Red Bull press release after departure

Speaking to GPblog after the race, Marko had hinted that it might be his final outing, saying he would “sleep on it” before deciding whether to continue in his role. It has now emerged that he had already made up his mind, despite previously denying this to the website.

A press release from Red Bull GmbH – not the race team – claimed that Marko’s decision to step down was linked to Max Verstappen missing out on the world title. Speaking to De Limburger, Marko dismissed the statement, saying:

"I don't want to go into too much detail, but I didn't read that nonsense press release," Marko said.

He then points out that 'a lot has changed at the team in a short time'. "You think you know people well, but then it turns out you don't... No, I'll say no more."

It remains unclear whom the Austrian is referring to. He does, however, acknowledge that Verstappen’s world championship outcome would not have changed his decision. "It was my ultimate dream to make it five in a row with Verstappen, the best driver we've ever had. But it wasn't meant to be, even though I had high hopes for the final race," he said.

In any case, Marko wants to make it clear – reiterating his earlier comments to GPblog – that stepping down was entirely his own decision. He firmly denies persistent rumours that Red Bull wanted to force him out.

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