Dutch racing driver Tom Coronel believes Red Bull are playing with fire concerning Helmut Marko’s future in the wake of the Christian Horner saga.
Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing by the investigation, Horner has continued to face questions over his own future within the team.
The situation has evolved since the investigation was ended with leaked messages purporting to be between Horner and his female accuser being leaked and Jos Verstappen sensationally calling on the Red Bull boss to step down.
Reports emerged over the weekend that Horner was at risk of being sacked by Red Bull, but the team have now issued a statement to deny the rumours.
Verstappen Snr’s comments raised questions on his son’s commitment to the team with the three-time world champion refusing to disagree with his father’s point.
Christian Horner met with Oliver Mintzlaff at the weekend
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But Verstappen was more defiant when presented with suggestions that his close confidant Marko was facing a possible suspension over a separate investigation.
The 26-year-old threatened to quit Red Bull if Marko was ultimately dismissed by the team with Horner appeared to call his driver’s bluff after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Horner stated that “no individual is bigger than the team” and wouldn’t stand in Verstappen’s way if he wanted to leave.
Coronel has no doubts that Verstappen’s threat was genuine though and feels Red Bull are taking a risky approach if they’re considering dismissing Marko.
“If Verstappen says that, then it will really happen,” Coronel told RacingNews365.
“In that respect, they are starting to tread on thin ice at Red Bull Racing, let’s call it that.
“They are trying to get away from Marko just a little bit.
“So that they can take a more seated seat and 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 was spotted walking into the F1 paddock on Saturday alongside Red Bull GmbH chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff.
Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell have shown a united front
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And it appears the 80-year-old’s future was resolved during clear-the-air talks with Marko confirming he plans to see out his contract.
“We agreed on all points,” Marko told Sky Germany.
“I will continue here. My contract still has three years to run.”
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Max Verstappen threatened to quit Red Bull
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Marko played a crucial role in Verstappen signing for Red Bull as a teenager and he was appreciative of the driver’s comments.
“It was very impressive,” Marko said.
“I am very grateful to him for that. But he is one of the few who has strength of character and shows loyalty.”
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