Verstappen: Red Bull power struggle rumors just ‘BS’ talk

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Max Verstappen says recent rumors of a power struggle currently taking place at Red Bull between Christian Horner and Helmut Marko are just “people trying to talk some BS”.

A story that originated last week in the Brazilian media claimed that a rift had set in at Milton Keynes between Horner and Marko, with the former allegedly attempting to oust the latter from Red Bull’s environment.

Both men have gone on record to deny the claims which were also built on the back of the management restructuring that took place at Red Bull’s parent company following the passing a year ago of the company’s co-founder, Dietrich Mateschitz.

“For as long as he wants to continue – he [Marko] is still a very spritely 80-year-old – I don’t see any change in the way that we work,” Horner told the Mirror earlier this week,

Read also: Horner steps forward to deny rift with Marko

Verstappen reckoned the story was fabricated to try and pull down the championship winning outfit which is in the midst of a banner year.

“I saw that, from the outside, people were trying to basically talk some BS because I think the mood in the team is very good,” the three-time F1 world champions said on Thursday in Austin.

“Everyone knows exactly what their role is. And of course, [there were] sad times last year when Dietrich passed away, but you know, we’ve tried to keep that legacy, keep moving forward, and everyone that we have right now in the team is very important to that success that we’re having.

“So that’s why there are also no changes for the future. I think that basically explains it.”

Sergio Perez echoed his teammate’s view, insisting on Marko’s “important” role within the bulls’ outfit.

“It’s just the same, everyone in Formula 1 has their own agenda – journalists, teams, they all want to create the best possible story out there,” commented the Mexican.

“The team is in a great moment, Helmut is a very important part of the team, same as Christian, and I just think there are rumours around.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.