Helmut Marko declared "I can stop at any time" as he appeared to voice his discontent at the new Red Bull structure formed after the death of Dietrich Mateschitz.
The co-founder of the energy drinks giant died last October at the age of 78, after a long fight with pancreatic cancer. As well as being a marketing phenomenon, Mateschitz held huge passion for motorsport and his Red Bull brand has, for decades, been involved in the racing world.
The jewel in the crown remains the Red Bull Formula 1 team which is, again, threatening to launch an era of dominance in the sport. Four titles in a row between 2010 and 2013 remains their most successful period, though Max Verstappen has enjoyed back-to-back championship successes and got off to the perfect start in his bid for a third this month.
But though everything looks great for the team on the track right now, the story away from the racing appears to be different. Marko has been a long-serving adviser to the team during its highs and lows, but appears displeased at the new management structure put in place after Mateschitz's death.
Former RB Leipzig chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff is now in charge of the corporate projects and investments side of the wider business, meaning he oversees all its sporting endeavours. That includes the F1 team – even though there are suggestions that he holds little personal passion for motorsport.
The overall situation appears to be something which bothers Marko. Comments made when speaking to Speedweek – interestingly, owned by media arm of the Red Bull empire – come across as a warning that he might make the decision to quit the role he has held for a long time.
He avoided giving a straight answer when asked how the new collaborations with Mintzlaff is going, and simply said: "We met twice. He got insights. It remains to be seen how far he will respond to our ideas. Red Bull Racing has always been very independent."
Describing how things have changed since Mateschitz's death, Marko added: "It's no longer the case that I report by phone after every practice session and race. The direct, personal and friendly relationship is no longer there.
"Didi was a visionary, had emotions. I don't see that anymore. I am a free person I can stop at any time if I'm no longer happy. Wait and see how the future turns out."
