Marko Observes 'Totally Different Atmosphere' at Red Bull After Horner's Departure

Helmut Marko, motorsport advisor for Red Bull, has observed a "totally different atmosphere" within the Red Bull team since Christian Horner's departure. This shift coincides with rising speculation around young talent Isack Hadjar, who recently achieved a podium finish.

Why it matters

Changes in leadership and team dynamics at a top Formula 1 constructor can profoundly influence its future performance and strategic direction. The altered atmosphere, alongside the emergence of promising drivers like Isack Hadjar, marks a significant period for Red Bull as it prepares for upcoming regulation changes.

The big picture

Isack Hadjar's recent performance at the Dutch Grand Prix has significantly elevated his profile as a potential future Red Bull driver.

• The Racing Bulls talent secured an impressive fourth in qualifying.
• He demonstrated strong racecraft, fending off Charles Leclerc for over half the distance.
• Hadjar capitalized on Lando Norris's late retirement to claim his first career podium, a major achievement for the Faenza-based team. His success has led to speculation that he could join Max Verstappen at Red Bull in the coming years, with Jacques Villeneuve even suggesting a move by 2026.

The details

Marko discussed the changed environment at Red Bull, and also praised Laurent Mekies.

• Shift in Atmosphere: Marko stated to Oe24, "There is a totally different atmosphere [at Red Bull] than before." This comment directly follows his observation about Mekies being a "top technician" who "gets along well with people," implying a positive shift post-Horner.
• New Regulations Optimism: Despite earlier warnings from Horner about potential struggles under new regulations, Marko remains hopeful. "If you look at the experience of our competitors, that's true. But I say: we shall see. The subject is so complex that under the new regulations everything is possible," he explained. Marko concluded with an optimistic outlook: "There will be huge surprises, both positive and negative. I choose to think positively for now.”

What's next

Red Bull will continue to evaluate driver prospects, including Hadjar, for future lineups. Simultaneously, the team is focusing on its development efforts for the next generation of Formula 1 cars, anticipating both challenges and opportunities under the new regulations.