Red Bull sports consultant Helmut Marko has apologised for claiming that Bahrain’s podium had three Red Bulls and claimed that he had ever planned to demand an investigation into the AMR23.
Aston Martin’s podium at the opening of the 2023 Formula 1 season, in Bahrain, did not shock those who followed the category’s pre-season, in which the British team showed a clear evolution compared to last year.
Marko even compared the two cars, stating that “three Red Bulls were on the podium” after the race. However, the Austrian has already turned back.
According to Markoz, the statement was the result of a joke with the rival single-seater, arguably the most similar to Red Bull on the grid.
However, the Austrian said a possible demand for an investigation into the car’s intellectual property should not be considered as an accusation.
“No, not at all. And this [demand for investigation] should not be considered an accusation either. These are just joking statements.” Marko said.
“If you look at the grid, the Aston Martin is the car that has the most characteristics similar to the Red Bull.” he added.
Marko’s statements were made after Max Verstappen’s win at Sakhir, when responding to the influence that aerodynamicist Dan Fallows may have had on the design of the AMR23.
Helmut played with the memory of the former employee and recalled that the Briton was not the only one to leave Milton Keynes, site of the Red Bull factory, to join the British — who still use the Mercedes wind tunnel in Brackley, while the team’s factory in Silverstone is only expected to be completed next year.
“Not only did he [Fallows] move, but so did a number of other employees. Obviously, they have a good memory. We had three Red Bulls on the podium, and only the third had a different engine.” Marko said.
The next F1 stop will take place in less than two weeks, with the dispute of the Saudi Arabian GP, scheduled to be held between March 17th and 19th. Second stage of the season, the race will be held again in Jeddah.
