Nov.5 (GMM) Purple Bull’s delay in saying its 2026 driver lineup is being seen as an indication that Dr Helmut Marko now not holds full management over key selections, in line with revered Dutch journalist Erik van Haren.
“Helmut Marko has been saying for months that they are going to announce their driver lineup for subsequent yr after the Mexican GP,” Van Haren instructed De Telegraaf. “Now it in all probability received’t be till late November or early December, earlier than the Abu Dhabi race.”
Whereas 82-year-old Marko has lengthy been often called the architect of Purple Bull’s driver technique, Van Haren believes latest inside shifts – involving the sacking of Christian Horner – have in truth diluted his authority.
“This additionally signifies that Helmut Marko isn’t the one one making selections,” he mentioned. “He’s already made up his thoughts – he desires Hadjar alongside Verstappen, after which Tsunoda or Lawson with Arvid Lindblad at Racing Bulls.
“However you even have Laurent Mekies and Oliver Mintzlaff, who’ve a big say. It’s not like Marko is asking the photographs anymore.”
In line with Van Haren, the delay may additionally be tactical.
“It’s really fairly sensible,” he mentioned. “If you happen to announce too early who’s getting the Racing Bulls seats, how will the others carry out for the remainder of the season?”
In the meantime, Ralf Schumacher instructed Sky Deutschland {that a} shock final result can’t be dominated out – the potential of Oscar Piastri transferring to Purple Bull.
“That’s out of the query for now, though you by no means know what is going to occur if Piastri misses out on the title and turns into dissatisfied,” Schumacher mentioned.
“The prospect of him becoming a member of Purple Bull appears slim, however not unimaginable. I can even simply think about Hadjar as Verstappen’s teammate – there’s little question about that.”
