Former Formula 1 driver Christie Jean Albers has questioned Helmut Marco’s position at Red Bull, saying that his longtime advisor “has not been in contact with the times.”
Albers commented days after his name Christian Horner was fired as principal and CEO of the Red Bull team amid slump in the form of Milton Keynes’ team.
The Dutch believe that Marco should also move aside and replace it with younger people within the organization.
Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has recently been linked with his return to Red Bull in his management ability, and Germany has admitted that he will be open to such a role in the future.
“I think it’s time for Marco to reach his expiration date,” Albers told De Telegraph.
“After hearing some of his statements, they have not come into contact with the times. I wonder if he should stay in that position. Maybe it’s a time of fundamental change.
Marco, 82, oversees Red Bull’s highly successful junior driver program, which has fostered talents such as Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen.
He previously served as an important link to Red Bull Racing, who passed away in 2022, and co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz.
Known for his authoritarian leadership style, Marco never eschews strong opinions in public. He was particularly critical of racing Bulls rookie Isac Hajar after calling the French emotional response “embarrassing” after the crash in Australia.
Albers said Marco disapproved of the way he handled younger drivers.
“He’s left a mark on all the drivers, and I think that’s a very important factor,” Albers said.
“In his interview, I don’t think he’s tactical, and now you might say, ‘He was never tactical,’ but now it’s overly harsh and it doesn’t benefit the team. ”