As the sorry saga rumbles on, Christian Horner insists that nobody at Red Bull is indispensable, that nobody is bigger than the team.

With Helmut Marko having confirmed that he is not to be suspended, and having made a point of arriving in the Jeddah paddock with ReD Bull GmbH CEO, Oliver Mintzlaff, the ball was now in Horner's court.

As was the case in Bahrain, the Red Bull boss had his wife present for some increasingly awkward photo ops, at a time Toto Wolff was openly stirring the sh*t by talking of welcoming both Marko and Max Verstappen to Mercedes.

"I'd love to have him," said Wolff, when asked about having Verstappen at Brackley, after the Dutch youngster had given his full support to Marko, "but first we need to sort out our car. First, we owe it to George and Lewis to improve the car and give them equipment that is good before dreaming about the future next year.

"A driver will always try to be in the fastest possible car," he added. "That gives you the best chances of winning races and championships and this is where Max is at the moment.

"But Max is also... Jos and Raymond Vermeulen (the world champion's manager) are also people who are very straight, sometimes uncomfortably straight, and I think that's something they will make up their mind on. But I think fundamentally a racing driver is calibrated to be in the best car."

"That said, there is no team up and down the grid that wouldn't do handstands to have him in their car."

Meanwhile, as his team continues to implode, Horner sought to make clear that despite the various personalities involved in the saga the team comes first.

"Obviously, a lot is made of this stuff," he told Sky Sports at race end. "But we are one team, and nobody is bigger than the team.

"Everybody has a role to play," he continued. "That's from the very bottom to the very top."

Referring to the discussion between Marko and Mintzlaff earlier in the day, Horner made clear that "Helmut is a consultant to Red Bull GmbH. So, whatever the discussion was, it was between them and was not the team.

"Max is an important member of our team," he added. "He's a valued member of our team. He's a wonderful driver, but everybody has a role to play in this team. We are a team. And no single individual is bigger than the team."

While Marko has taken centre stage in Jeddah, a week earlier it was Jos Verstappen in the spotlight, as he warned the team faced exploding if Horner didn't go.

Asked if the situation with the world champion's father can be resolved, Horner said: "The speculation is obviously rife. But the most important thing is the team and focusing on on-track performances. You only do that by having a spirit, a culture, and a determination throughout the entire company.

"As team principal and CEO, I'm responsible for the running and the operation of this team. So, everybody has to do their part. Max is doing his part, and everybody else is doing their part."

Check out our Saturday gallery from Jeddah here.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by kenji, 17/03/2024 1:15

"Another issue which has mysteriously arisen and then after a brief period mysteriously disappeared was the 'I may be suspended' statement by Marko? Why would that be then? There has been no reason given and after a meeting supposedly held by Marko and Mintzlaff it has been brushed out. It's all rather strange as for a short while he was suspected as being behind the leaked docs but even that line of thought has disappeared. Maybe it was because Max Verstappen's 'break clause' ,purportedly in his contract, came as a surprise to a few people!"

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2. Posted by kenji, 16/03/2024 2:42

"@Tokyo Aussie....with or without an external highly qualified legal opinion? A few details would be welcome. Did the legal opinion simply say that to dismiss Horner on the basis of the evidence provided be a wrong decision...or did the legal opinion simply state their findings [ complaint unproven ] with no recommendation and that the decision to dismiss the complaint was purely a board decision?. Given the purported seriousness of the complaint, implied by some, I would welcome a full legal court challenge as that appears to be the only way that true evidence would be presented and judged. Two private opinions hardly change the status quo. "

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3. Posted by TokyoAussie, 16/03/2024 0:46

"If it were anybody else in the team, they would’ve been sacked or suspended almost immediately. "

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4. Posted by Ricardo_sanchez, 15/03/2024 3:23

"@kenji - Yes, the relative seniority of the parties in question absolutely has a bearing. That’s exactly what I’m saying.

In a situation where a CEO becomes “involved” with a subordinate, there’s a significant power imbalance. This has implications when it comes to consent, potentially leading to conflicts of interest, favouritism, or coercion.

All companies have a duty of care to their employees. They must provide a safe and respectful working environment free from harassment or discrimination. This duty includes setting clear policies on workplace relationships, providing channels for reporting and addressing concerns confidentially, and ensuring that relationships don’t interfere with organisational ethics or the wellbeing of individuals involved.

I’m sure you realise that an individual’s rights do not trump common sense company policies.

Of course, we don’t know if the leaked messages are genuine. What we do know is that they detail behaviour that went well beyond what is considered appropriate in a workplace. There’s evidence of discrimination and coercion, amongst other things.

Yes, plenty of people are taking the opportunity to kick CH whilst he’s down. But it would appear he’s brought this on himself through his own foolish behaviour.
"

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5. Posted by kenji, 15/03/2024 1:07

"@Ricardo-sanchez. You may, then again you may not, agree with Leo Turrini's comments re this whole RB saga but it mirrors to great extent my deeper thoughts on the matter. An honest opinion without fear or favour."

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6. Posted by kenji, 15/03/2024 1:00

"@Ricardo-sanchez. According to your theory, the comments alleged to have been made are weighted proportionately by the level of individual corporate ranking? That my friend makes no sense whatsoever. You are discriminating between a persons rights...as an individual whether he's a shop floor chap or the CEO.

I cannot comment on the choice of independent investigator by the board of RB Gmbh as I am not privy to boardroom facts ands decisions, suffice to say that if the eminent KC chosen was not independent it certainly hasn't been prosecuted as an issue other than by those who have already condemned CH to the ultimate 'sin bin'. The 'kangaroo court' has spoken. Me. I prefer to wait and see where this goes given that the assassins haven't as yet convinced me that their moral indignation supercedes their venality . "

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7. Posted by Ricardo_sanchez, 14/03/2024 23:22

"@kenji - the kind of behaviour that has been *alleged* to have taken place, involving the CEO and a subordinate, is never simply a private matter. Red Bull is a multi million pound corporation with thousands of employees and Horner is the figurehead of the organisation. By definition, the CEO has considerable power and influence and the complainant was a direct report. As the public face of Red Bull, CH’s character and standing has a direct impact on the company, the brand and on the reputation of various high profile colleagues.

The investigation can hardly be considered to have been independent if the KC was selected and paid for by RBR. If the leaked documents are genuine then it is very hard to understand how Horner was cleared at all. The messages show a clear pattern of coercive and inappropriate behaviour which no company could brush off as personal matter.

At some point, the authenticity of the leaked documents will no longer be in doubt (one way or the other). If they are proven to be authentic then I cannot see how Horner can survive this crisis.

As things stand, I suspect the majority of people who matter already think the leaks are genuine and, as a result, CH is fatally damaged as a team principal. No one will ever be able to take him seriously.

On a more positive note, I hear Kellogg’s might be interested in becoming a main partner/sponsor next year. Oracle Cocoa Pops Red Bull Racing could have multi generational appeal.
"

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8. Posted by kenji, 13/03/2024 1:21

"@Pavlo...Regarding the intervention of Verstappen snr. I am more inclined to believe that the HR problem is just a convenient vehicle being used for going after Christian Horner. There are so many theories out there that it's virtually impossible to discern the actual truth. If CH did overstep the mark with his 'comms' then by all means take some action [ reprimand and or fine ] but he was 'cleared'. So the enemy are opening up other fronts with moving targets. Sooner rather than later this whole 'cause celebre' must be brought to a conclusion. I just hope that the assassins don't win. I do note that Red Bull/Horner have called the Verstappen's bluff by stating that they won't stand in his way if he wants to go. Will Max leave? Not while he has a winning car despite what his father declares. The Marko thing is also a very strange occurrence!!!"

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9. Posted by Pavlo, 12/03/2024 22:05

"@kenji - totally agree. We all must respect the right of individual to report a "improper behavior" and such allegations need to be properly investigated. These cases are also known to be tricky to prove, and this obviously this should not discourage victims to report what happened, therefore corporations must have mechanisms to protect reporters from retaliation. On the other hand, we also can't just assume anyone guilty unless there is significant evidence.

So while the case about Horner is a confidential business, it's interesting how Jos was so quick to criticize. This doesn't sound right at all."

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10. Posted by kenji, 12/03/2024 0:31

"It now appears that the complainant is looking to open a new front in the attack on CH! I must admit to some confusion here. I do believe that this is still a private affair between a particular person, and the Red Bull TP, who has issues concerning 'coercive management'. The issue was investigated and found to be without merit. How can one appeal? This is not a court of law. I expect that the complainant has always had the right to call for an independent opinion by a legal officer of her choice and paid for by her. If she disagrees then let her lay criminal charges and then we may see some exposure of what lies simmering away below the surface. What all this has to do with the Verstappens is another question which as yet is unanswered."

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11. Posted by Pavlo, 11/03/2024 13:47

"Marko is 80, he will anyway play smaller and smaller role in the team.
As a team principal he is right - Max is an awesome driver, but it’s important that he drives and behaves, and not managing the team. Even more important that his father should not manage the team. The best chances for Max are now in RB, and they should not be bluffing about leaving. Also they should acknowledge the work other team members are doing."

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12. Posted by Spindoctor, 10/03/2024 19:27

"Marko, like Verstappen Snr is supernumerary to RBR.
VMax, to his credit, clearly feels loyal to the bloke who "discovered" him, but these days Matko is so.ethi g of a liability to the team as a whole.

The "suspension" of Marko appears to have been a rumour - he's a consultant, so probably can't be suspended anyway.
The chances of VMax & daddy dumping RBR in defense of Marko are about Zero. Anyone who wants to win wants the best car. No matter how good you think Max is, Checko, Piastri, Hamilton. Norris & several others could all easily win the WDC in Newey's car.

My guess is that Horner will go, Jo's, Max & Matko will stay. RBR & VMax will win in 2024 ,& 2025. Newey retires for 2026 RBR's PU is pants & all bets will then be off. VMax won't have a Ferrari seat (Hamilton) & no way will Wolff have Marko at Merc. Now read on.
"

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Nobody is bigger than the team, insists Horner

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