Toto Wolff and Helmut Marko have at times had a tumultuous relationship, notably when the rivalry between Mercedes F1, of which the former is a director, and Red Bull Racing, of which the latter is a consultant, were battling for world titles. But the two men reveal today that they became closer, especially after the death of their mutual friend, the founder of Red Bull, Dietrich Mateschitz.
“Look at the year 2021” Marko said in a joint interview with Wolff at ORF.
“It was the most difficult season ever, both athletically, mentally and everything close to that. We were very satisfied with the result, but Mercedes never were.”
“And that stirs up emotions. We’re full of passion for this sport and that brings a lot, but we’re also mature enough to have learned to deal with losses and live with them. That fact actually brings us closer together as people.”
Wolff also recognized that the two men were close, despite the difficulties of 2021: “At the end of the day, we’re both a small group of Austrians who respect each other. But when you’re rivals and you’re trying to win with every weapon available, it’s hard to get close.”
“2021 came and it was hard. It was very, very hard. You only have your own perspective in mind and not the other person’s. But since then we’ve kind of found ourselves as ‘Austrians. I respect Helmut enormously for what he has achieved as a driver, but also as a leader of Red Bull.
“The death of Dietrich Mateschitz also brought us closer together, despite the rivalry. Dietrich was a great entrepreneur and the Austrians will always stand together. The basic respect has always been there, but sometimes we take off the gloves to fight with our bare hands. next year we will stand side by side like this.”
After this sentence, Marko intervened to shut down the rumors of a strained relationship and added: “This is what we have been doing since 2013.”
