Marko Criticizes Red Bull Exit Narrative, Antonelli's Secret Karting Stint, and McLaren's Newey-Inspired Design

Helmut Marko has refuted Red Bull's official explanation for his departure after two decades, calling it "full of nonsense," and revealed deeper internal power struggles. Meanwhile, Mercedes junior driver Kimi Antonelli secretly dominated a karting event in disguise, and McLaren's 2025 car reportedly incorporates a key aerodynamic trick inspired by Adrian Newey's Red Bull designs.

Why it matters:

Marko's candid exit interview pulls back the curtain on the significant internal tensions that have simmered at Red Bull, challenging the team's public narrative. Antonelli's off-season antics highlight the relentless drive of F1's next generation, while the technical insight into McLaren suggests the competitive order could be in for another shake-up as teams innovate for 2025.

The details:

• Marko's Exit: The veteran advisor directly contradicted Red Bull's statement that his exit was a "joint decision," labeling the reasoning as nonsense. He pointed to a power struggle between Team Principal Christian Horner and the Austrian faction of the company as a key factor.
• Antonelli's Secret Test: Kimi Antonelli, a leading candidate for a 2025 Mercedes seat, entered a karting event in Lonato, Italy, wearing a full-face helmet and racing under a pseudonym. He proceeded to set lap times significantly faster than his competitors, showcasing his raw speed during the winter break.
• McLaren's Technical Leap: Analysis suggests the 2025 McLaren MCL39 features a front suspension design that draws inspiration from a concept pioneered by Adrian Newey at Red Bull. This trick is believed to contribute to the car's dominant performance in simulations.
• Rosberg on Hamilton: Nico Rosberg commented on Lewis Hamilton's challenging final season with Mercedes, describing it as a "horrible situation" but arguing that a move to Ferrari offers a more fitting potential conclusion to his career than retiring now.

What's next:

The fallout from Marko's revelations will be closely watched for any impact on Red Bull's internal stability. All eyes are on Mercedes' driver decision, with Antonelli's performances keeping him firmly in the frame. The technical arms race continues as teams finalize their 2025 designs, with McLaren's Newey-inspired approach set for its real-world test when the new season begins.