Speculations are circulating regarding the potential takeover of Aston Martin’s main Formula 1 sponsor, the Saudi Arabian state-owned oil company Aramco, which could signal a significant shift for the team. This development may be intertwined with the ongoing controversy involving Christian Horner at Red Bull, possibly explaining the team’s recent push for internal reconciliation.
Despite this, the media is expected to continue pursuing the Horner story during the upcoming weekend in Melbourne. Reports from major German newspaper Bild suggest that one faction in the Red Bull power struggle, led by Thai 51 percent owner Chalerm Yoovidhya, allegedly planted a mole at Red Bull’s headquarters in Salzburg, Austria.
Additionally, it has come to light that the “Helmut Marko clause” in Max Verstappen’s F1 contract, allowing him to terminate the deal if Marko is removed, was added post-initial signing without Horner’s awareness. This unrest within the team has reportedly estranged Max’s influential father Jos, and even Adrian Newey, a highly respected figure in F1’s technical sphere, is reportedly discontent with the situation.
Speculation suggests that Newey, Verstappen, and Dr. Helmut Marko could potentially defect to Mercedes for the 2025 season, with Verstappen potentially replacing Lewis Hamilton, who is bound for Ferrari. However, Aston Martin appears to be eyeing an opportunity amid Red Bull’s turmoil.
Eurosport Italy indicates that Lawrence Stroll, the current owner of Aston Martin, might be considering selling the Silverstone-based team to title sponsor Aramco. If Verstappen and Newey were involved in the deal, it would likely be highly lucrative.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes that simply removing Horner would be a simpler solution to the current unrest compared to the proposed ‘ceasefire.’ He suggests that Max is well aware of the internal dynamics and the risk of Newey departing due to the turmoil.
While the replacement for Horner remains uncertain, Gunther Steiner, recently ousted as team boss by Haas owner Gene Haas, could be a potential candidate. However, Steiner expressed uncertainty about returning as a team principal and hinted at the possibility of establishing a new team for Formula 1’s upcoming era.
Steiner anticipates further developments in the Horner saga within the company’s higher echelons and hopes for a resolution in the best interest of Formula 1’s future.
