SUMMARY
- Ferrari CEO John Elkann's presence with Oliver Mintzlaff at Jeddah raises speculation about a potential meeting.
- Red Bull, despite success in Formula 1, faces controversies amid rumors surrounding Helmut Marko and Christian Horner.
Amidst the current scandals in the paddocks, Ferrari CEO John Elkann and Red Bull GmbH CEO Oliver Mintzlaff were seen together. This weekend kicks off the second race of the 2024 season with the start of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Following an exciting race in Bahrain, the teams made their way to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, where Max Verstappen claimed pole position yet again at the close of the qualifying session.
Amid swirling rumors of investigations into Red Bull advisor, Helmut Marko, and ongoing uncertainties surrounding Christian Horner, the team is hoping for a morale boost following their recent win in Bahrain. The British team lead was accused of a sexual misconduct incident towards a female employee. Right when the inquiry concluded, Horner was bombarded with leaked chat messages that made it to the internet.
Ferrari CEO’s appearance with Oliver Mintzlaff at Jeddah?
The reigning champions are plagued by controversies despite their great showing in Formula 1. The situation slipped out of hand when Max Verstappen’s father Jos intervened and commented on Horner’s leadership. The internal rifts within the team have sparked speculation about the futures of key figures, including the mastermind behind RB19, Adrian Newey.
John Elkann, CEO of Ferrari has been spotted leaving the Red Bull Hospitality in Jeddah together with CEO of Red Bull GmbH, Oliver Mintzlaff 👀#F1 #SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/SyqkX22xjQ
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) March 9, 2024
Ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, a potential meeting between the two CEOs has added fuel to the fire. The F1 community is suspecting a potential discussion about the transfer of staff of the respective dreams. Fans are also speculating on a switch among the Ferrari and Red Bull drivers, although it is highly unlikely.
While some fans were excited about a potential move, it was a piece of bad news for devoted Red Bull fans. A user who goes by @JoeBurrowBurner wrote, “RB might actually be finished this is insane. All because they want to protect Horner for some reason.”
However, there has been no official statement from either Ferrari or Red Bull regarding any such move.
Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko commit to Red Bull amidst turmoil
The 3x champion’s commitment to Red Bull remains unwavering as stated by Oliver Mintzlaff and Helmut Marko. Verstappen had raised doubts about his future due to a clause in his contract that allows him to leave the team if Marko is compelled to depart. Reports indicate that Marko, aged 80, faces an internal inquiry by the Austrian outfit.
Helmut Marko says that he has already spoken with Oliver Mintzlaff and that he will stay in the team along with Max who will serve out the rest of his contract.
[@AlertaF1] pic.twitter.com/Tby1pM2Zgn
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) March 9, 2024
In a recent development, Marko expressed confidence in his continued involvement in the team. Marko clarified his discussions with Red Bull’s CEO where he stated, “It was a very good meeting. I think everything is clear. We had a discussion and we decided these rumors were spread out and had no legal background.”
Marko has been instrumental in Red Bull’s driver program since the team’s inception in 2005. The 80-year-old advisor has worked with talented racers like Daniel Ricciardo, Sebastian Vettel as well as Max Verstappen.