The aftermath of the Formula 1 season has unravelled rumours coming out of Red Bull that two key figures may step back from their current roles.
Red Bull narrowly lost the Drivers’ title via Max Verstappen at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Dutchman winning the race but Lando Norris claiming the glory by just two points.
The McLaren drivers’ success brings an end to Verstappen’s four-year reign as World Champion, with the team also once again falling short of the Constructors’ Championship.
But there may be other losses in the form of its senior advisor Helmut Marko, and Verstappen’s long-time and trusted race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase.
Speaking after the race at the Yas Marina Circuit, Marko cast doubt over whether his presence would remain at Grands Prix next year, despite his current contract ensuring his future for now.
“It’s not in doubt, but I will have a discussion and then I see what I do,” he said. “It’s a complex [set] of different things.”
Asked what his preference would be, Marko replied: “I have to sleep over it and then will we see.”
Marko helped oversee the transition from Christian Horner to Laurent Mekies, who took over immediately from Horner after the British Grand Prix in July.
The Frenchman praised the Austrian for his work within the team, but intimated that there will be a natural change at some point for the Milton Keynes-based squad.
“Helmut has been incredible in how supportive he has been in helping us turning around things this year,” Mekies told media including Motorsport Week.
“Obviously, him and the top management had quite a few difficult decisions to make in the year, and of course we always have.
“But Formula 1 is not a static environment, you always adjust your organisations, and it applies to technical, it applies to sporting.
“It’s completely normal that we review how we can improve the way we operate all the time. So I’m not saying that specifically for Helmut, but I’m saying that in general we are in an environment where we always challenge each other and look for the next steps, no matter how small it is in trying to work together.
“But I can only thank Helmut for the role he has played in making what looked like a difficult situation at the mid-season, making work with the support.”
Questions raised for Lambiase after Red Bull pit wall emotion upon Verstappen victory
Lambiase showed a release of emotion after commiserating with Verstappen after he crossed the finish line, having nearly completed a monumental comeback.
It has led to further speculation about his role within the team next year, having missed both Austrian and Belgian GPs for personal reasons.
There is a likelihood that, should Verstappen and Red Bull come to an agreement that will see him happy with a new race engineer, Lambiase will commence a new role, that is understood to be trackside.
“It’s been an emotional year,” Verstappen told media including Motorsport Week. “Forget about the results this year and I don’t want to go too much into detail, but it’s been tough.
“But I’m very happy to be able to work with someone that passionate. Of course, he is my race engineer, but I see him as my friend.
“We have lived through so many emotional things together and fantastic achievements.
“I’m sure he was a bit emotional after the flag. So, I’m really looking forward to leaving here and catching up with him because it’s not been easy at times for him. I’m just very proud to be able to work with someone that good.
“A proper example of someone that never gave up this season, even through the difficult times.”
READ MORE – Why Max Verstappen decided against backing up the McLaren drivers in F1 Abu Dhabi GP
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