I've found this on the internet, but unfortunately don't know whom to give credit. This is second day when some claims are being repeated. The article addresses latest rumor on potential changes in RB leadership. It is painful reading. Dietrich Mateschitz built almost whole business on his own, since his original partner left it upon him. Now, it is reported, apparently Mr. CH thinks he should be one to take it over. Why he would think that way is something I cannot speculate on. Many in media assuming Mark Mateschitz is a silent partners and has nothing to say about business (which until now was extremely profitable and growing, thanks mainly to Austrians). Of course I don't know about legal details of the partnership. Who will compensate Mark, if CH will destroy what his father built? This is only rhetorical question, since he will know what to do.
Hard to say what will happen. Lessons learned - you need to get horny to get promoted.
Horner affair: Will he now be head of the entire Red Bull Group?
Christian Horner's statements after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix did little to keep Max Verstappen in the Red Bull team
(Motorsport-Total.com) - The fact that Max Verstappen took a clear public position in Saudi Arabia for the first time and expressed his loyalty to Helmut Marko did little to end speculation that he would leave Red Bull and go to Mercedes, for example could change. And: Current statements from team boss Christian Horner add fuel to the blazing fire ahead of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
"Never say never. If a driver doesn't want to stay, then he will go somewhere else," says Horner, among other things, and: "No individual is bigger than the team. You can't force someone to stay somewhere just because they have a contract . If someone doesn't want to be on this team anymore, we won't force them against their will."
According to the 50-year-old, this applies to everyone, "regardless of whether they are mechanical engineers, designers or unskilled workers. This applies to everyone in the company. Being part of a team means showing commitment and passion. Max has all of that, just like us "We've seen him. He's been with us since he was 18. And I have no doubts about his commitment and his passion."
Statements that are not well received by the Verstappen family, as research by Motorsport-Total.com has shown. In Saudi Arabia, Max Verstappen took a clear stance on the Horner affair for the first time and although he did not explicitly say so, he did subtly let it be known that he was not 100% behind Horner.
The three-time world champion and his father Jos reportedly find it a provocation that Horner has now given him the freedom to leave the team should he wish to do so. Especially since Red Bull has not changed the starting position internally: Horner will also be team boss of Red Bull Racing at the Australian Grand Prix.
The Yoovidhya clan remains fully behind Horner
After the Dubai meeting on March 10th , it briefly looked as if Chalerm Yoovidhya was reconsidering its support for Horner, but the Thai majority owners of the Red Bull Group now appear to have come to the conclusion in the announced review of their position: wanting to hold on to Horner.
An unsatisfactory situation for Verstappen - and one that increases the likelihood that he will leave Red Bull. Ralf Schumacher believes that the 26-year-old would "go through" with a change if things got tough: "I'm pretty sure of that. Not only because of Dr. Helmut Marko, but above all because of his father, who is involved in the issue also has a problem."
Schumacher explains in an interview on the Formula1.de YouTube channel that Horner has made "many enemies": "From what you hear in the paddock, with the success he has had in recent years, he has also had to assert his personality and his demands internally Power has changed. [...] Some people can't understand that."
But Horner is still firmly in the saddle. For now. Since Saudi Arabia, the employee who accused him of sexual harassment has not only appealed the results of the compliance investigation within Red Bull , but has also officially filed a complaint against Horner with the FIA, the world automobile association.
As long as these two pending proceedings have not produced a result, question marks remain. And a tense relationship not only between Horner and Verstappen, but also between Horner and Helmut Marko, the consultant commissioned by Red Bull GmbH for the group's entire motorsport program.
Horner downplays his role: “Helmut doesn’t work for me or for Red Bull Racing,” he says. "He works for Red Bull GmbH. [...] He is a consultant for Red Bull and the young driver program is under his control." Horner - consciously or unconsciously - leaves Marko's services to the Formula 1 team unmentioned.
The fact that Verstappen has committed himself to Marko leaves Horner cold: "We have a very good relationship with Max and always listen to what he has to say. But ultimately we have to make the right decision for the team. Regardless of whether it is "It's about a strategic issue or the future, the engine partner or a sponsor: we will always do what is right for the team."
Will Horner now head Mintzlaff & Co.?
And Horner seems to have a clear idea of this: losing Verstappen and Marko because they put their personal interests above those of the team should be accepted if necessary. But it doesn't seem to be an option for him to resign himself. Quite the opposite: Horner is striving for even more power in the Red Bull Group - and could allegedly even become CEO of the entire company.
Research by Motorsport-Total.com has shown that the Yoovidhya clan can apparently imagine making Horner the head of the three current Red Bull CEOs Oliver Mintzlaff, Franz Watzlawick and Alexander Kirchmayr, as a "super CEO". Power would extend far beyond the boundaries of the Formula 1 team.
Background: Since the death of Dietrich Mateschitz in October 2022, the Yoovidhyas, who almost completely left the business to Mateschitz despite a 51 percent majority, have become more involved in the operational area. According to media reports, they are even considering giving up the current headquarters in Fuschl completely and running the company from Thailand.
This is not just about exercising control by the 51 percent majority, but also about potential tax savings. While it was always important to Mateschitz to tax the Red Bull Group's sales in his Austrian homeland, the Yoovidhyas now apparently see the possibility of implementing more cost-effective tax models outside of Austria.
The Verstappens can't possibly like that either. But Horner emphasizes that the relationship with his star driver is "absolutely fine. He works well with the team. There is no tension, no stress, and you can see how relaxed he is. That translates into his performance on the track . We don't see any problem with Max."
If Verstappen were to leave anyway, Horner wouldn't panic. He emphasizes: "The best drivers want to be in the best cars. [...] We have a phenomenal car, and we have a free cockpit for next year. And there are probably 16 drivers who would do anything in this car to sit."
