Max Verstappen warning as Red Bull 'on thin ice' amid Christian Horner saga

12 March 2024 , 11:53

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Red Bull could lose Max Verstappen if the infighting continues (Image: Getty Images)

Dutch motorsport legend Tom Coronel believes Red Bull risk losing Max Verstappen if the ongoing "power struggle" continues.

There has been evidence of division behind the scenes ever since an investigation was announced into team principal Christian Horner by the Red Bull parent company. Although he was later cleared, tensions have continued to simmer.

Most notably, Jos Verstappen has questioned Horner's future with the team and suggested the 50-year-old needs to leave. Meanwhile, his son Max said he would be prepared to follow if long-serving adviser Helmut Marko left the team.

Marko has said he plans to stay which has eased fears that the three-time world champion might quit. But Coronel is certain that it was no empty threat and that Red Bull risk losing their star driver if the infighting continues.

"If Verstappen says that, then it will really happen," the racing veteran told the RacingNews365 podcast. "In that respect, they are starting to tread on thin ice at Red Bull Racing.

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"They are trying to get away from Marko just a little bit. so that they can push through the decisions a little more easily. Ultimately, that is what I think is happening. There is simply a power struggle going on between Austria and Red Bull Racing in England."

Marko has been linked with a switch to rivals Mercedes in the event of a Red Bull exit. Team principal Toto Wolff has been happy to fan the flames, joking that he would "love" to invite Marko to join the Silver Arrows.

Coronel referenced those words from Wolff as he pointed out that both Marko and Verstappen would have other options. He made clear his belief, however, that neither of them would want to quit if it can be avoided.

He added: "That's why the teasing is being handed out by Toto Wolff, who says, 'Marko is also welcome with us'. But don't forget, Marko has been with Red Bull for 19 years. He really won't just leave and they won't just put him there. That's not respectful and things happen very quickly at Red Bull if you do things like that.

"You have to be able to discuss things and of course some slaps are handed out under the table, but in this snake pit of Formula 1 that's pretty normal. It's just high-level politics. Don't forget, we're talking serious marbles, right? But in the end, only one thing is most important - Verstappen always wants to be in the fastest car.

Daniel Moxon