Christian Horner denies any conspiracy to remove Helmut Marko from the Red Bull F1 team’s advisory role.
Marko’s position with the team came under scrutiny when he disclosed the possibility of suspension amid an internal inquiry related to controversies involving team principal Horner.
However, following vocal support from Max Verstappen and discussions with Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, the 80-year-old affirmed his continuation with the team within a day.
Expressing gratitude towards Verstappen, who made it clear he might leave Red Bull if Marko was dismissed, Marko stated, “We agreed on all points. I will continue here. My contract still has three years to run.”
Marko dismissed allegations suggesting his involvement in media leaks and hinted at a “cunning” scheme aimed at his removal in an interview ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
“Absolute rubbish. I’m really happy when I have my iPhone halfway under control,” Marko stated.
“I haven’t seen this report or any of these chats. I deliberately stayed out of it. To associate me with it was almost like a planned operation, as I realised. ‘Cunning’, as [Niki] Lauda would say.”
Horner stated that the issue was unrelated to him or the Red Bull F1 team; “I think the rumour about suspension was as news to the team as it was to anybody else. We were quite surprised to hear that.”
“Helmut is a contractor to Red Bull GmbH, so it was an issue between them. We weren’t party or part of that discussion.
“I’ve known Helmut since 1996, and he’s played an important role over the years. That role has evolved over the years. I’ve known him a very, very long time.
“Coming up to 81 years of age, he’s still obviously motivated about Formula 1, which is a positive thing.”
Following that, Horner was questioned about whether Verstappen’s demonstration of support had impacted Red Bull’s decision.
“There has been no decision-making process around Helmut, so I am not quite sure where the rumour has permeated from,” Horner answered.
“But it is not something I’ve been involved in.”
He added: “My relationship with Helmut is no issue. I think that he’s always outspoken, but that’s Helmut.
“Everybody has a role to play no matter what that role is. I think this team has been incredibly successful, and it has had tremendous ability for a long period of time. That has been one of the keys to our success.”
