The world of Formula 1 is gripped by a new storm, and both of these things are due to Red Bull’s claim. Helmut Marko, a cult figure and senior advisor to the Authentic Curia, has submitted an official request to a Sky Sports analyst for a higher license from the FIA. The reason? The explosive statements currently circulating in light of rumors about a possible new team for Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion. Between internal tensions, speculation about Verstappen’s future, and a media war, this issue promises to shake up the paddock. Immerse yourself in this vibrant drama!
All this is a commentary on a subsequent analysis of the track published by Sky Sports after the Gran Premio de Bahrain, which featured a dominant performance by Red Bull. Max Verstappen, a regular podium finisher, had to settle for sixth place due to balance issues with the RB21 and disastrous pit stops. In this tense context, a Sky Sports analyst, whose identity is still unclear, is said to have dropped a bombshell: rumors that Verstappen is planning to leave Red Bull to join a new, potentially revolutionary team backed by a major constructor. This team, still operating in the shadows, is reportedly preparing a spectacular entry into Formula 1 for 2026, with Verstappen at the helm.
Although these statements are speculative, they are nothing short of igniting the fire. Helmut Marko, known for his son Frank-Parler and his unwavering loyalty to Red Bull, considers this a direct attack on the government and an attempt at destabilization. According to sources close to the team, Marko immediately contacted the FIA and demanded his analyst license for “spreading rumors” and “drawing attention to Red Bull’s reputation.” This management, rare in the history of Formula 1, reflected the broad spectrum of the crisis that has left the Austrians’ memory dry.
At the center of this media storm is Max Verstappen. The Dutchman, who is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, has always shown unwavering loyalty to the team that led him to four world championship titles. However, Red Bull’s recent problems, including the RB21’s performance issues, have reignited speculation about his future. Persistent rumors link him to Mercedes, Aston Martin, and now this mysterious “new team.” At the press conference in Jeddah, Verstappen dismissed these speculations with his usual pragmatism: “I’m focused on my car and on improving our performance. I’m not thinking about any other scenarios.” His silence on details, however, left the door open to all interpretations.
Helmut Marko, for his part, reaffirmed his loyalty to Red Bull, recently declaring, “For me, Formula 1 is Red Bull.” However, he made no secret of his concerns about the team’s current performance. In an interview with Sky Deutschland, he admitted he feared Verstappen might leave the team if significant improvements weren’t made soon. “We need a car that can fight for the championship,” he emphasized. This growing pressure, coupled with rumors of a new team, makes every race a litmus test for Red Bull.
Marko’s request for dismissal to the FIA is a dramatic turn of events that goes beyond the purely sporting context. It highlights the growing tensions between Red Bull and certain media outlets, particularly Sky Sports. In 2022, Verstappen and Red Bull had already boycotted the British broadcaster after journalist Ted Kravitz deemed his comments disrespectful. This new escalation could rekindle this old grudge. The FIA has not yet officially commented on Marko’s request, but internal sources suggest that the association could reject the request, which it believes exceeds its authority.
This case also raises questions about freedom of expression in sports journalism. If sanctioned, the analyst in question could become a symbol of the pressure the teams exert on the media. Meanwhile, Verstappen and Red Bull fans are raging on social media: some support Marko, others accuse Sky Sports of sensationalism. One thing is certain: this media war is only intensifying the drama surrounding Verstappen’s future.
With the start of the 2025 championship, Red Bull is at a crossroads. The team, which demonstrated incredible dominance in 2022 and 2023, urgently needs to resolve its technical issues to maintain Verstappen’s confidence. The loss of key figures such as Adrian Newey, who left for Aston Martin, and the departures of other executives have weakened the team. Marko remains a strategic pillar despite the controversies, but his powerful crisis management could complicate matters.
The mysterious “new team” is fueling speculation. Is this a project backed by a giant like Audi, preparing for its arrival in 2026? Or a bold initiative from a new player? So far, no concrete clues have emerged, but the idea of Verstappen at the helm of a revolutionary team has fans dreaming.
This affair, with its dismissal requests, explosive rumors, and speculation about Verstappen’s future, is a veritable soap opera that has captivated the world of Formula 1. Red Bull is under pressure and must prove that it can bounce back on its sporting footing while simultaneously managing crises behind the scenes. Helmut Marko, true to his succinct style, has thrown a spanner in the works, but at what cost? The FIA, the media, and the fans are eagerly awaiting the next steps.
And what do you think of this saga? Is Marko right to attack Sky Sports, or are the rumors about Verstappen justified? One thing is certain: In Formula 1, the show is never limited to the track!
