After McLaren lured away Red Bull’s Chief Engineering Officer Rob Marshall, many felt that the British team would get their hands on some ground-breaking secrets behind Max Verstappen and Co’s recent success. Verstappen, however, is not worried about Marshall revealing anything too important.
Earlier this month, news about Marshall leaving Red Bull to join McLaren came out. Marshall’s departure might come as a blow to Red Bull, because he was one of the top engineers, and played a huge role in their recent success. In addition to that, he was also involved in designing the future cars for the team, and could now spill the secrets to McLaren when he moves over.
McLaren has recruited Rob Marshall from Red Bull Racing, who will join as Technical Director, Engineering & Design.
Tap the link for more. ⬇️
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) May 30, 2023
Verstappen, however, revealed that what Marshall knows, is of no threat to him or anyone at Red Bull for the time being.
Rob Marshall leaving Red Bull won’t make much of a difference, says Max Verstappen
According to Verstappen, Marshall was involved in a completely different project over the last few months. These projects were more aligned with the future goals of Red Bull. As a result, the Dutchman insists that his joining McLaren won’t make much of a difference in terms of Red Bull’s secrets being spilled.
Ahead of the Spanish GP this weekend, Verstappen shared his thoughts on the matter in an interview. “He was already more focused on future projects,” he said as quoted by RBR Daily. “So I find it difficult to estimate how much of a difference it will make. Everyone who is involved in this generation of cars is still here.”
🗣️ | Max Verstappen on Chief Engineering Officer Rob Marshall’s exit
“He was already more focused on future projects, so I find it difficult to estimate how much of a difference it will make. Everyone who is involved in this generation of cars is still here.”#F1 #SpanishGP pic.twitter.com/avgjtKXpN6
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) June 2, 2023
Verstappen went on to talk about how money played a huge role in McLaren luring Rob Marshall away from the team. He isn’t the first person from Red Bull to suggest this after chief advisor Helmut Marko too, accused Marshall of going after the big paycheck.
“You know, if someone receives such an offer, I naturally understand why they would switch,” Verstappen added. “I think he’s already in his 50s, so earning well for a few years, I definitely understand that.”
Will Verstappen’s dominance be under threat?
Verstappen is currently the most dominant driver in F1, driving the strongest car. So far, he has won four races this year out of a possible six, and has been almost unstoppable. However, if Red Bull engineers chose to join rival teams and help them grow, Verstappen’s current status in F1 could be under threat.
Thankfully for Verstappen, the main brains behind the current generation of F1 cars remain at Red Bull. This ensures that over the next few years at least, the Austrian team shouldn’t lose its status as one of F1’s top teams.
Max Verstappen heads into this weekend’s Spanish GP first in the standings. He is 39 points ahead of his second-placed teammate Sergio Perez.
