Reports are circulating suggesting that Aramco, the Saudi Arabian state-owned oil company and primary sponsor of Aston Martin’s Formula 1 team, may be considering a takeover of the team. This potential development comes amidst a backdrop of turmoil within the sport, with implications extending to Red Bull Racing.
Speculation indicates that the situation could be linked to the ongoing internal conflict involving Christian Horner at Red Bull, prompting the team’s recent push for an internal ‘ceasefire’ to quell the power struggle. Nevertheless, media attention remains fixated on the unfolding saga surrounding Horner during the Melbourne Grand Prix weekend.
German publication Bild has alleged that one faction in the Red Bull power struggle, led by Chalerm Yoovidhya, the Thai majority owner with 51% stake, deployed a “spy” within Red Bull’s Austrian headquarters.
Adding to the intrigue, it has been revealed that Max Verstappen’s F1 contract includes a provision, dubbed the ‘Helmut Marko clause’, enabling him to exit the agreement should Marko be removed, a clause reportedly inserted post-initial signing without Horner’s awareness.
The unrest within Red Bull appears to have caused rifts, notably alienating Max Verstappen’s influential father, Jos, and causing discontent among key figures like Adrian Newey, revered as one of F1’s foremost technical minds.
Speculation is rife that Verstappen, Newey, and even Dr. Helmut Marko could potentially defect to Mercedes for the 2025 season, with Verstappen positioned to replace the departing Lewis Hamilton, who is bound for Ferrari.
Meanwhile, Aston Martin, sensing an opportunity amidst Red Bull’s troubles, may be exploring avenues to capitalize on the situation. Eurosport Italy reports that Lawrence Stroll, the current owner of Aston Martin, is contemplating selling the Silverstone-based team to Aramco, the title sponsor. Such a deal, especially if it includes Verstappen and Newey, could prove immensely lucrative.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes that the straightforward solution to Red Bull’s unrest lies in ousting Horner rather than pursuing a ‘ceasefire’. He suggests that Max Verstappen is aware of the internal dynamics and the potential risk of losing key personnel like Adrian Newey due to the tumult.
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding Red Bull’s leadership, potential replacements for Horner remain uncertain. Gunther Steiner, recently removed as team principal at Haas, could be a candidate, though he expresses uncertainty about returning to such a role and hints at the possibility of spearheading a new F1 team for the upcoming era of the sport.
Steiner anticipates further developments in the Horner saga and hopes for resolution to facilitate progress within Formula 1.
