Max Verstappen (ideal) might leave Red Bull if Helmut Marko (centre) is suspended – Getty Images/Jakub Porzycki
Red Bull are prepared to call Max Verstappen's bluff if he attempts to require an exit from the group, Telegraph Sport comprehends.
There has actually been speculation that the three-time world champ may attempt to set off an ‘escape stipulation' in his agreement, which presumably enables him to follow Helmut Marko out of the door ought to Red Bull's Austrian motorsport consultant ever leave.
Marko, 80, recommended on Friday night that he may do precisely that as the fallout from the current examination into Red Bull group principal Christian Horner continues apace.
Telegraph Sport comprehends Red Bull GmBH's bulk owner Chalerm Yoodivhya is determined he will not be held to ransom, and is prepared to evaluate the legality of the ‘escape stipulation' in Verstappen's agreement or even let him stroll away.
Chalerm Yoovidhya (best) holds the most significant stake in Red Bull and is stated to be the most essential fan of the embattled group principal – Getty Images/Qian Jun
Yoodivhya, who owns 51 percent of Red Bull GmBH, is comprehended to have actually informed Verstappen's supervisor Raymond Vermeulen at a top conference in Dubai on Monday that “nobody was larger than the group”.
Horner has actually been cleared of misdeed by an internal examination however stays under extreme pressure, not least from within, having actually fallen out severely with both Marko and Jos Verstappen, the Red Bull chauffeur's daddy.
Marko set off extensive speculation on Friday night when he informed Austrian broadcaster ORF that he might be “suspended” soon.
It was uncertain why he stated that, although there is understood to be a 2nd examination continuous into the leakages which happened throughout the course of the Horner examination.
Some think Marko was attempting to bait Red Bull into sacking him, clearing the method for Verstappen to set off the widely-reported ‘escape stipulation' in his agreement. After Marko provided his ORF interview, Verstappen informed media that he would “not continue” at Red Bull without his coach.
The possibilities of Marko leaving appeared to decline on Saturday. The 80 year-old reached the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah together with Red Bull GmBH's head of sport Oliver Mintzlaff, and they plainly attempted to stop a few of the speculation.
Not just did Mintzlaff inform media in Jeddah that he was “pleased with the management” of the race group, a strong program of assistance for Horner, Marko then stated that he had actually had “a great discussion” with Mintzlaff, including: “No more rumours, I will remain”.
If Marko does wind up leaving, and Verstappen does attempt to activate his escape provision, it is uncertain whether he would stroll instantly, with 20 races of this season still staying, or at the end of 2024 or 2025.
Mercedes have a seat offered next year with Lewis Hamilton leaving for Ferrari,
