Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has expressed “surprise” that its Formula 1 rivals can grant salaries that are “double” the amount it can amid the team’s recent exodus.
The Austrian outfit’s on-track dominance being curtailed has coincided with several integral names behind its past success being announced to be departing the side.
McLaren published last month that Red Bull’s long-serving Head of Race Strategy Will Courtenay has been signed as the championship leader’s new Sporting Director.
Courtenay is not alone in electing to leave, though, amid the bombshell news earlier this term that design guru Adrian Newey will end his extensive stint with Red Bull.
Newey will begin a role as Aston Martin’s Managing Technical Partner in 2025, while Red Bull’s Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley will become Sauber’s team boss.
Marko reiterated that such a turnover is natural, though he raised concerns about how competitors are adhering to F1’s budget cap with such vast financial proposals.
“Of course, if you win for three years in a row and are so dominant in 2023, your team members are coveted by other teams,” Marko told ORF.
“That is inherent to Formula 1.”
“What surprises me are the amounts that are offered. We always struggle with the budget limit, there are restrictions on the financial side.
“But still, these employees are offered double and more than what we give, and they hold a higher position than with us.
“It means we just can’t hold on to everybody, even after a period of 17 years in the case of Adrian Newey. In the case of Jonathan Wheatley, I think we’re talking about 19 years.
“They were part of this team, they were part of the success, and then it hurts when they go.
“But it’s all about finances and great career opportunities. If you can’t offer the same, then it’s no different and that’s the natural progression of things.”
Mateschitz’s death impacted Newey’s choice
Marko has also suggested that the passing of late Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022 had an overriding impact on Newey’s decision to head to new pastures.
“The death of Dietrich Mateschitz has of course brought about changes,” he added.
“He was an autocrat, decisions were made quickly. He was a charismatic entrepreneur with a certain vision and someone who was prepared to take risks.”
“Now everything within the organization is being organized differently, making it impossible to find a personality like Mateschitz.
“He can therefore not be replaced by just one person. I think that also played a role in Newey’s choice, the choice for a new adventure.”
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