The obvious tension surrounding Red Bull's internal disagreements and apparent power struggles has subsided in Melbourne, yet behind-the-scenes whispers persist.
Despite expectations, following his recent participation in European rally events, Max Verstappen's father, Jos, is noticeably absent from the F1 paddock this weekend in Melbourne. Meanwhile, Max was seen sharing an extended jovial moment with Christian Horner, the team principal currently under scrutiny, at Albert Park, alongside the three-time world champion's manager, Raymond Vermeulen.
"But no one seems to be really happy with the current situation," asserts Matthias Janisch, sports editor at Kleine Zeitung newspaper.
"That's why the next twist in the power struggle is probably only a matter of time."
Reports from Kleine Zeitung and other leading Austrian media suggest that Horner and the 51 percent Thai co-owner of Red Bull are considering promoting Horner to a 'super CEO' role across the entire energy drink corporation.
This strategic move might entail relocating Red Bull's global headquarters from Salzburg to Thailand, aiming to benefit from lower tax rates.
Yet, at the Formula 1 circuit, Verstappen aims to keep a distance from these corporate maneuvers.
"As far as I know it has been managed in the right way so far," the 26-year-old shared with a large group of reporters in Melbourne.
"I have every reason to be happy. The car works really well. It is my best start to a season. The team has many great people who are constantly working to improve results. That's what I focus on - performing," remarked the current leader of the 2024 championship.
He downplayed any notion of leaving his contract before 2028 due to particular exit clauses, following Toto Wolff's expression of interest in welcoming the Dutchman to Mercedes.
"It's always nice to hear that," Verstappen noted, "but it doesn't have any impact on what I do. Toto and I had our little moments, but that's normal when two teams fight for the championship. Respect was always maintained," Verstappen stated.
"But for me it won't change anything."
Nevertheless, Verstappen emphasized the importance of retaining "key people" at Red Bull, amidst growing speculation that Adrian Newey might be negotiating with Ferrari.
"Many people," Verstappen responded when asked about the key individuals. "I am not going to name them because people already know.
"But if you have a good group of key people, it is important that they stay together and are happy."
He generally minimized the importance of the controversies and turmoil that have plagued Red Bull throughout the year, referring to the team as his "second family."
"It happens that you argue in a family. But you can choose your friends but not your family," Verstappen remarked. "I have always felt comfortable here at Red Bull.
"My intention is to stay until the end of the contract, because it would be a great story, even for me personally. To get to the end would basically mean having been part of a family and a team."
Regarding Horner's predicaments and the broader power dynamics within Red Bull, he declared: "I won't go into details, because I don't know more and it's not like I want to know. That's not my job in the team.
"I would like the conversation in the paddock to be a little more about what a great car we have, but I hope that comes little by little."
