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Newsweek
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Red Bull Senior Advisor Blames Mercedes Chief For Max Verstappen Rumors
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Red Bull Racing senior advisor Helmut Marko has accused Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff of fueling rumors about Max Verstappen's switch to Mercedes, especially about the exit clause in the Dutch driver's contract. The last two months saw intense speculation about Verstappen's potential move to Mercedes, with Wolff even publicly admitting his interest in the four-time world champion, while George Russell's contract extension was reportedly kept on hold. The rumors intensified after Red Bull ousted former team principal Christian Horner. Reports circulated that if Verstappen dropped to P4 in the Drivers' Standings before the summer break, an exit clause would be triggered in his Red Bull contract. However, Marko blamed Wolff for the rumors and revealed that he knew what Verstappen's decision would be, given the new regulations coming into effect next year. The 81-year-old advisor said: Mercedes' Austrian team principal Toto Wolff (L) and Red Bull Racing's director Helmut Marko arrive in the pits of the Circuit de Monaco before the second practice session of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix... Mercedes' Austrian team principal Toto Wolff (L) and Red Bull Racing's director Helmut Marko arrive in the pits of the Circuit de Monaco before the second practice session of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix on May 24, 2024, two days ahead of the race. More ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP/Getty Images "That was quite annoying recently! Above all, everyone thought they knew better than us what the exit clause looked like. All of that was fueled somewhat by Toto. "But it was always clear to me, because it would have been senseless for Max to switch in 2026. Because it's a blank slate: nobody knows who has the best engine or the best chassis. "There are many parameters where things can go wrong. If I were Verstappen, I would also look at that first and then decide." Marko was asked if he expected the rumors to reappear in 2026. He said: "I hope not. Because we're counting on being at the front again next season with Max." Speaking of 2026, Sky Sports F1 reporter Simon Lazenby opened up about the exit clause in Verstappen's contract next year, stating that he will be free to engage with another team if he is second or below in the 2026 Drivers' Standings. He said: "We understand, by the way, there's a performance clause in for next year that it's second. If he's second or worse, then he can move to where he needs to get to." His colleague Bernie Collins revealed that Red Bull's car will not be the most powerful in 2026 and highlighted Mercedes' dilemma if it chooses to extend the contracts of both its drivers for multiple years. She said: "It's an interesting situation, isn't it? Because we're going to have this reset with the regulations next year. You know, at least the rumor, the thought in the paddock is that Red Bull are maybe not going to come out as the strongest car in that reset. So, it does give Max this opportunity to look around, see what's going to happen, which team's going to be best. "I think the feeling is it might be Mercedes because of the changes to the engine regulations, but we don't know that. The pity, I think, is that if Mercedes, let's say, signs George or Kimmy on a multi-year deal, then where's the gap come? If they sign them now for the next two years, there's not going to be a gap at the end of next year."
Newsweek
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Christian Horner Closed Red Bull Chapter With Emotional Goodbye To Team
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former Red Bull team principal and CEO Christian Horner is said to have gone to Red Bull's headquarters at Milton Keynes after his exit announcement. Horner addressed his team for the last time there, a goodbye that turned out to be a very emotional one. Red Bull announced on Wednesday that it was parting ways with Horner after a 20-year partnership that saw six constructors' championships and eight drivers' titles. The reason for Horner's exit is not known yet, but the sudden move has surprised the F1 community, especially given the reports that his Red Bull contract was slated to run until the end of 2030. Sky F1 commentator David Croft was outside Red Bull's factory, where he opened up about Horner's final speech to his team. He said: "From those that we've managed to speak to, it is a unified sense of disappointment and sadness at a man that they see has unified their team, who was never afraid to sit and have a chat to various people no matter what they did for the organization. Red Bull Racing's British team principal and CEO Christian Horner looks on from a balcony ahead the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix at the Circuit de Monaco, on May 25, 2025. Red Bull Racing's British team principal and CEO Christian Horner looks on from a balcony ahead the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix at the Circuit de Monaco, on May 25, 2025. Gabriel BOUYS / AFP/Getty Images "The speech that Christian Horner gave this morning to the factory we understand was hugely emotional and Christian himself was very emotional, and broke down on occasion. "He received a massive ovation at the end of that speech from a workforce that are very loyal to him, because he has helped bring success, bonuses, and world championship glory in terms of 14 world titles during his time as team principal. "He drove out this morning at 11:25 AM. He looked fairly impassive, just staring ahead in his car. There was no thumbs up, there were no waves. He drove out of the gates here for what now seems to be the final time." Horner will be replaced by Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies. Alan Permane has been promoted from the role of sporting director to team principal at Racing Bulls. Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff issued a statement announcing Horner's departure. It read: "We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. "With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1. "Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history." Mekies said in a statement: "The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter. It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people. The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning. Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path. He knows the team inside out and has always been an important pillar of our early successes."
Scottish Sun
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside Schumacher's inner circle as F1 boss reveals who ‘regularly' sees tragic star… & his shock at pal who WON'T visit
When Schumacher's head hit a boulder in the skiing accident 12 years ago, it split his helmet in two SCHUEY'S CIRCLE Inside Schumacher's inner circle as F1 boss reveals who 'regularly' sees tragic star… & his shock at pal who WON'T visit AN F1 boss has revealed insider information on Michael Schumacher's inner circle - like who "regularly" visits him and his shock at one pal who won't. Schumacher hasn't been in the public eye since a devastating skiing accident 12 years ago and is cared for by medical staff and his wife Corinna at their home in Lake Geneva. Advertisement 7 Schumacher lifts the trophy after victory in the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo, Monaco Credit: Getty 7 German formula one world champion Michael Schumacher of Ferrari hugs his wife Corinna in 2004 Credit: Alamy 7 Ex-Red Bull chief Richard Hopkins has spoken out about the star Credit: Re-Engineering Australia Foundation 7 The F1 legend's family have remained very protective of his privacy, with little known about his condition since the 2013 accident. Now ex-Red Bull chief Richard Hopkins has spoken out about the star - and revealed who regularly him. He told "Jean Todt, that's well known. Jean and Michael had an extraordinarily close relationship. "I believe Luca Badoer, who is a close family friend, visits him. Advertisement "If there is a third, I don't know who that would be." But Hopkins also spoke of a pal who won't visit Schumacher - Flavio Briatore. He added: "Flavio is, as we know, a flamboyant character. I would have thought he would have probably been the first person who would have wanted to see Michael in whatever way that was. But you have to respect that decision. "That's down to the individual. Not necessarily shared by all. I know there are close friends that go and see Schumacher and that's their own choice and for their own reasons. Advertisement "But Flavio has obviously got his and it's very deep and personal how we remember people, and how we want to remember people. "I think we all have to respect that one." Michael Schumacher's Monaco Grand Prix-Winning Ferrari F2001 In 2020 Briatore's former wife Elisabetta Gregoraci claimed that: 'Michael doesn't speak, he communicates with his eyes.' Addressing this rumour, Hopkins said: "I'm not in that circle to know the absolute facts about Schumacher. Not many people are. Does he communicate through his eyes? Quite possibly. Advertisement "There is rumour he does watch Grand Prixs. But this is just speculation and perhaps unfair for anyone to make assumptions and guesses. "Any remark I make will be unqualified as well in that sense, so it's difficult to be drawn on it." In April, Schumacher signed a charity helmet belonging to fellow F1 icon Sir Jackie Stewart with help from Corinna. The helmet will be auctioned to raise money for Stewart's charity Race Against Dementia. Advertisement But Hopkins has described the signing as potentially being a "one-off". He said: "I suspect that [Jackie Stewart helmet signature] gesture was a one-off. There was a lot of media around that and maybe for the family too much media. 7 Michael Schumacher and Flavio Briatore Credit: Getty - Contributor 7 Alpine F1 Team Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore looks on in the paddock during qualifying Credit: Getty Advertisement 7 Race winner Michael Schumacher celebrates on the podium in 1994 Credit: Alamy "They try to keep everything quiet and private, so I'd hazard a guess that it was a one-off. "It was a great gesture from the family to organise that." Yilmaz Tozturkan, 53, and his son Daniel Lins, 30, had threatened to publish videos and pictures of Schumacher unless they were given £12million. Advertisement Security guard Markus Fritsche had copied the private material while working for the Schumachers and sold it to the two men. In February the trio were found guilty of their part in the blackmail plot. Fritsche was given a two-year suspended sentence, while Tozturkan was jailed for three years and Lins was given a six-month suspended prison sentence by a German court. Schumacher's wife Corinna wanted a harsher sentence for Fritsche. Advertisement She said: 'What still shocks me most is the massive breach of trust. 'He should receive a punishment for this that deters others from potentially doing the same.' When Schumacher's head hit a boulder in the skiing accident 12 years ago, it split his helmet in two. The brain injury was so serious that he spent 250 days in a coma. Advertisement The best medical treatment that money could buy brought the sporting great, who is worth £468million, back to consciousness. There had been rumours that further treatment in Paris had allowed Schumacher to take some small steps, but that was later dismissed.
The Irish Sun
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Inside Schumacher's inner circle as F1 boss reveals who ‘regularly' sees tragic star… & his shock at pal who WON'T visit
AN F1 boss has revealed insider information on Michael Schumacher's inner circle - like who "regularly" visits him and his shock at one pal who won't. Schumacher hasn't been in the public eye since 7 Schumacher lifts the trophy after victory in the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo, Monaco Credit: Getty 7 German formula one world champion Michael Schumacher of Ferrari hugs his wife Corinna in 2004 Credit: Alamy 7 Ex-Red Bull chief Richard Hopkins has spoken out about the star Credit: Re-Engineering Australia Foundation 7 The F1 legend's family Now ex-Red Bull chief Richard Hopkins has spoken out about the star - and revealed who regularly him. He told "I believe Luca Badoer, who is a close family friend, visits him. read more f1 "If there is a third, I don't know who that would be." But Hopkins also spoke of a pal who won't visit Schumacher - He added: "Flavio is, as we know, a flamboyant character. I would have thought he would have probably been the first person who would have wanted to see Michael in whatever way that was. But you have to respect that decision. "That's down to the individual. Not necessarily shared by all. I know there are close friends that go and see Schumacher and that's their own choice and for their own reasons. Most read in Motorsport "But Flavio has obviously got his and it's very deep and personal how we remember people, and how we want to remember people. "I think we all have to respect that one." Michael Schumacher's Monaco Grand Prix-Winning Ferrari F2001 In 2020 Briatore's former wife Elisabetta Gregoraci claimed that: 'Michael doesn't speak, he communicates with his eyes.' Addressing this rumour, Hopkins said: "I'm not in that circle to know the absolute facts about Schumacher. Not many people are. Does he communicate through his eyes? Quite possibly. "There is rumour he does watch Grand Prixs. But this is just speculation and perhaps unfair for anyone to make assumptions and guesses. "Any remark I make will be unqualified as well in that sense, so it's difficult to be drawn on it." In April, Schumacher belonging to fellow F1 icon Sir Jackie Stewart with help from Corinna. The helmet will be auctioned to raise money for Stewart's charity Race Against Dementia . But Hopkins has described the signing as potentially being a "one-off". He said: "I suspect that [Jackie Stewart helmet signature] gesture was a one-off. There was a lot of media around that and maybe for the family too much media. 7 Michael Schumacher and Flavio Briatore Credit: Getty - Contributor 7 Alpine F1 Team Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore looks on in the paddock during qualifying Credit: Getty 7 Race winner Michael Schumacher celebrates on the podium in 1994 Credit: Alamy "They try to keep everything quiet and private, so I'd hazard a guess that it was a one-off. "It was a great gesture from the family to organise that." Yilmaz Tozturkan, 53, and his son Daniel Lins, 30, had threatened to publish videos and pictures of Schumacher unless they were Security guard Markus Fritsche had copied the private material while working for the Schumachers and sold it to the two men. In February the trio were found guilty of their part in the Fritsche was given a two-year suspended sentence, while Tozturkan was jailed for three years and Lins was given a six-month suspended prison sentence by a German court. Schumacher's wife Corinna wanted a harsher sentence for Fritsche. She said: 'What still shocks me most is the massive breach of trust. 'He should receive a punishment for this that deters others from potentially doing the same.' When Schumacher's head hit a boulder in the skiing accident 12 years ago, it split his helmet in two. The brain injury was so serious that he spent 250 days in a coma. The best medical treatment that money could buy brought the sporting great, who is worth £468million, back to consciousness. There had been rumours that further treatment in Paris had allowed Schumacher to take some small steps, but that was later dismissed. What do we know about Schumacher since his accident? MICHAEL Schumacher's life changed forever on December 29, 2013, when a skiing accident left the seven-time F1 champion with a severe brain injury. Since then, his family has protected his privacy, with only a select few remaining in contact with the racing legend. December 29, 2013 - The skiing accident : Schumacher suffers a life-threatening head injury while skiing off-piste in Méribel, France. He falls and hits his head on a rock, causing severe brain trauma despite wearing a helmet. He is airlifted to a hospital in Grenoble, where he undergoes two emergency surgeries. Doctors place him in a medically induced coma to reduce swelling in his brain. January 2014 - Schumacher fights for his life : Schumacher remains in a coma. Doctors describe his condition as 'critical but stable'. His family, led by wife Corinna, remains at his bedside. The world's F1 community rallies behind him, with fans holding vigils outside the hospital. June 2014 - Schumacher brought out of his coma : After nearly six months, Schumacher is brought out of his coma. His family confirms he is no longer in a coma but gives no further health details. He is transferred from Grenoble to a rehabilitation facility in Lausanne, Switzerland. September 2014 - Back home: Schumacher is moved to his family home near Lake Geneva. Corinna announces he will continue his recovery at home, with a dedicated medical team. 2015–2018 - Mystery surrounding his health: Reports suggest Schumacher is receiving round-the-clock medical care at home, costing £50,000 per week. Jean Todt reveals he still visits Schumacher and that they watch F1 races together. May 2017 - German magazine sued by Schumacher's family: The magazine Bunte has to pay Michael Schumacher €50,000 (£42,000) in damages after claiming in 2015 that Schumacher would walk again. The Hamburg regional court determined that the statement was false and infringed upon Schumacher's right to privacy. September 2019 - Schumacher secretly transferred to Paris : French media reports that Schumacher is taken to Paris for stem cell therapy at the Georges-Pompidou Hospital. The procedure is led by renowned surgeon Dr. Philippe Menasché. Details of the treatment remain undisclosed. December 2019 - Manager issues rare statement : Schumacher's longtime manager Sabine Kehm says his condition will remain private. She dismisses speculation and false reports about his health. September 2021 - Netflix documentary 'Schumacher' released : A new Netflix documentary, Schumacher, provides rare insights into his life. Corinna speaks publicly about his condition for the first time, saying: 'Michael is here. Different, but he's here, and that gives us strength.' December 2023 - 10 years since the accident : Schumacher turns 55. The anniversary of his accident is marked by tributes from the F1 world. Jean Todt confirms he still sees Schumacher regularly and describes his visits as 'full of affection'. September 2024 - Daughter Gina's wedding : Gina Schumacher, 27, marries longtime boyfriend Iain Bethke at the family's £27million Majorca villa. Reports claim Schumacher attends the wedding, but close friend Johnny Herbert later calls it 'A1 fake news'. Guests are reportedly required to hand over their phones to prevent leaks. December 2024 - Schumacher to become a grandfather : Gina announces she is pregnant, three months after her wedding. She shares the news on Instagram, writing: 'Impatiently awaiting the arrival of our little girl.'
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Alonso says Aston Martin's big bet on 2026 F1 season will weigh heavily on his driving future
Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso of Spain walks back to his pits after failing to complete during the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix race at the Monaco racetrack in Monaco, Sunday, May 25, 2025. (Gabriel Bouys/Pool Photo via AP) Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso of Spain walks through the pits after the qualifying session ahead of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix race at the Monaco racetrack in Monaco, Saturday, May 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) Fernando Alonso, of Spain, and George Russell, of United Kingdom, speak during a press conference at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, Thursday May 29, 2025. The Spanish Grand Prix Formula One race will be held on Sunday. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort) Fernando Alonso, of Spain, and George Russell, of United Kingdom, speak during a press conference at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, Thursday May 29, 2025. The Spanish Grand Prix Formula One race will be held on Sunday. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort) Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso of Spain walks back to his pits after failing to complete during the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix race at the Monaco racetrack in Monaco, Sunday, May 25, 2025. (Gabriel Bouys/Pool Photo via AP) Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso of Spain walks through the pits after the qualifying session ahead of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix race at the Monaco racetrack in Monaco, Saturday, May 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) Fernando Alonso, of Spain, and George Russell, of United Kingdom, speak during a press conference at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, Thursday May 29, 2025. The Spanish Grand Prix Formula One race will be held on Sunday. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort) BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Fernando Alonso says that Aston Martin's all-in bet on next season will play a large part on the looming decision of when he definitely calls it quits from Formula 1. 'It will be very important,' Alonso told reporters on Thursday ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. 'I need to see how motivated I am. Advertisement "Every year has its own mood and feeling, how competitive and motivated you are to keep your fitness at a high level,' he said. 'Your personal and family situations, all these things play a role. I know that very important decisions will come when I stop racing.' After winning two F1 titles back in 2005 and 2006, Alonso eventually stepped away from F1 in 2018 when his stint with Ferrari failed to deliver more successes. Seeking new challenges, the Spaniard tried his hand at the 24 Hours Le Mans, Indy 500 and the Dakar rally race, only to return to F1 in 2021. 'For 40 years I have had a steering wheel in my hand and I know that one day I will have to stop,' Alonso said. 'I did stop F1 once in 2018 and I did come back because I needed it, and the next time I do that I will have to be sure.' The former Renault champion is enduring one of the worst seasons of his long and topsy turvy career. He has failed to finish three races, including last weekend's Monaco GP, and has yet to finish in the top 10. The last time he failed to score a point through the first eight races was 2015. Advertisement The context matters, however, and Alonso and his Aston Martin team lowered expectations from the start of the season. They are all concentrated on working with former Red Bull top designer Adrian Newey to put all their energies into making a good car under the rule changes coming for 2026. But sacrificing a year is a big ask for a driver who turns 44 in July and has little tolerance for teams that don't give him a competitive car. The last time Alonso won an F1 race, he did so right here on the same track back in 2013 with Ferrari when he claimed victory No. 32. He also won the Spanish GP in 2006 with Renault. Aston Martin had given him a good car in 2023, when he arrived to the Spanish GP with hopes of winning that allusive 33rd race, but it was not to be. This time he realistically is just hoping to be in the points with his green car struggling and McLaren and Red Bull far, far ahead. Advertisement That said, this year can't be a total wash, according to Alonso. 'The focus is on 2026, but in order to be confident with 2026 you have to build momentum in 2025 and deliver some parts on track to make the car faster,' Alonso said. 'The biggest steps can only happen in 2026. That is where the hopes are.' ___ AP auto racing:
