The support of the Thais
Chalerm Yoovidhyawhich holds 51% of the shares of Red Bull GmBH, had no qualms about show up in Bahrain alongside Christian Horner. A move worth a thousand words: the Thai side is firmly on the side of its team principal, despite the storm of the investigation and the alleged private chats spread to the most important personalities in the paddock. She did not escape the most attentive the confidence between Yoovidhya and Horner, who showed up – and photographed – together, in the company of their respective wives Daranee and Geri. In the pits, on the starting grid, under the podium.
On the other side Helmut Markowho has been rather tight-lipped about the matter for weeks, accompanied by a Jos Verstappen is increasingly restless. It is no coincidence that Max's father showed up several times in the company of even Toto Wolff (“They have never seen each other so often together as in the last few days.” he noted The Team). The two know that they have the Austrian 49% behind them, led by Mark Mateschitz – Dietrich's son -, together with Oliver Mintzlaff – big boss of Red Bull sport. Adrian Newey would have been added to the ranks of Horner's opponents, as suggested by F1-Insider.
According to observers, the split was also evident in Parc Fermé, when Max Verstappen rushed to celebrate with Marko and Newey, appearing much more timid with Horner and Yoovidhya.
The Austrian counterpart is boiling
Then it's easy to associate the shots of Jos Verstappen in conversation with Toto Wolffto the explosive interview given to Daily Mail from Max's father. A substantial either/or: “We want Horner out of the team, otherwise…”. Otherwise everything will explode, with unpredictable consequences despite the results on the track and – perhaps – despite the existing contracts, which are always full of clauses. Disgruntled Max Verstappen and Adrian Newey could ignite the market: Rival teams would do anything to undermine Red Bull's dominance.
Obviously, the words of Wolff at the end of the race: “I hope that F1's governing bodies, sanctioning bodies and commercial rights holders can steer the compass in the right direction. More than the teams, the matter is in their hands.” We must also keep in mind Wolff's poisonous tooth over the question of his alleged conflict of interests, where the Federation had been much more enterprising, only to take a disastrous step backwards in the blink of an eye.
The FIA on Sunday morning, through President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, was rather cautious: “The case is damaging the sport. We have to protect F1. But we can't seize the opportunity“, stressing that he cannot move, having received no report to his compliance department. But in the paddock there were meetings between Ben Sulayem and Domenicali (number one in F1) and between the two and Horner.
Thai resistance or push towards resignation?
Fort of support from the Yoovidhya family and after receiving the acquittal in the internal investigation initiated by the employee's complaint for inappropriate behavior, Horner appears not to risk being ousted from Red Bull – Christian, serene s-thai, some would say.
However, one card in the hands of the Austrians could be that of urge the FIA to challenge articles 12.2.1.c and 12.2.1.f of the sporting codewhich evoke disciplinary actions in case of “acts that may prejudice the interests of sport”including among them i “Moral damages” hey “values defended by the FIA”. But can the Federation act on the basis of alleged private chats disseminated anonymously, given the acquittal from the internal investigation? Obviously not, but she could also put pressure on Horner to take a step back.
With the Verstappen-Marko-Mintzlaff-Mateschitz jr block. which could be the definitive wildcard. The ultimatum “or Max (and maybe even Newey) or Horner”indicating to the English manager the only possible way to calm the environment. The path to resignation. Pushy.
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