While Red Bull’s on-track dominance remains a highlight, chaos in their paddock has been at the heart of the F1 rumor mill. Whether it is rumors of Christian Horner being sacked or Max Verstappen leaving the team, there is no shortage of stories surrounding the team. This time, it’s Helmut Marko that’s brought them back into the spotlight.

The former racing legend hinted at a grim announcement surrounding his tenure with the team. Marko hinted that a possible exit from the Red Bull camp may take place even before the end of the current season.

Helmut Marko may step out of Red Bull before the 2024 season ends

Rumors of Helmut Marko’s exit had been around for nearly a month, but most assumed he would see this season to its end. In a twist of events, Marko may not intend to do so, as revealed by the Austrian himself, upon being asked if he would leave if Max Verstappen left. Upon being asked if he would see all 24 races this season, Helmut Marko’s reply of, “What’s certain?” has left fans wondering.

If Marko does leave before the season ends, Red Bull can be in big trouble. With uncertainty about both the seats for 2025, Marko would be vital in deciding who takes the spot. After all, it was he who brought Verstappen into the Red Bull fold. At the same time, Marko’s statement highlights a disappointing state of affairs. After building Red Bull Racing from nothing alongside Dietrich Mateschitz, considering leaving halfway through the season is a worrying sign of what Marko believes about the team.

Ferrari and McLaren come close to Red Bull in the constructors’ championship

After the 2023 season, most fans expected Red Bull to clean up this year’s constructor’s title easily. Yet, the fight on track reflects a positive change for other teams. After the events at Albert Park, Red Bull seem to be, at least in terms of points, in touching distance. The ball lies firmly in Ferrari and McLaren‘s court. The upgrades and decisions they make can be critical to influencing the championship this year. Australia was proof that Red Bull is not bulletproof, even if mechanical failures played a part in the procedure.

Suzuka will be a good starting point to see where Red Bull takes things. More importantly, it will be important to see where Max takes them. The loss at Australia came after nearly ten race wins. The last time he did not win a race was in Singapore, following which was Suzuka, a race where he won dominantly.

READ MORE: Helmut Marko: “[Carlos Sainz] Is Better Than [Charles] Leclerc”