Amidst swirling rumors of a rift between Red Bull team boos Christian Horner and advisor Helmut Marko, the former has stepped forward to vehemently deny any claims of a falling out.
The gossip, which has been circulating for some time, suggests that Horner has grown increasingly frustrated with Marko's alleged interference in team matters.
However, the Red Bull Racing team principal has categorically refuted these claims, emphasizing the strong working relationship he shares with Marko and dismissing the notion that he is attempting to oust the 80-year-old Austrian from his position within the team, echoing comments made earlier this week by Marko himself
“My relationship with Helmut goes back to 1996, when I first bought the trailer from him to compete in the Formula 3000 championship,” Horner told the Mirror.
“I then competed against his team and then, when he was responsible for the junior drivers at Red Bull, I contracted those drivers from him in Formula 3000 and won the championship.
"As a result of that, he recommended me and provided me with the opportunity, in front of Dietrich Mateschitz [the Red Bull founder who died last October].
“Without Helmut, I wouldn’t be in the position that I am today. Like with the young drivers that he has given an opportunity, he also gave me that opportunity.”
Like in all long-standing relationships, there have been moments of friction between the two men over the years. But their collaboration has spawned one of the most successful teams I the history of the sport.
“We’ve always enjoyed a very strong and open relationship,” added Horner. “Of course, there are things that we disagree on now and again, but I think that’s healthy.
“We speak very regularly about all aspects. For Helmut, it’s slightly different to how it used to be since the passing of his friend and colleague Dietrich, but he still has a very valuable role that he plays within the team and there is absolutely no intent or desire from me, or anyone within the team, to see that change.”
Marko must now report and answer to the new management team at Red Bull GmbH in Austria, headed by CEO Oliver Mintzlaff. This represents a change from the previous regime, under which he answered exclusively to Mateschitz.
©RedBull
It is also worth noting that Marko has a contract with Red Bull until the end of 2024, so he is unlikely to be forced out of his role anytime soon.
However, it is possible that the new management team could decide to change his role or responsibilities after his contract expires, although at 81, a well-deserved retirement in his home town of Graz would seem in order.
“For as long as he wants to continue – he’s still a very spritely 80-year-old – I don’t see any change in the way that we work,” Horner concluded.
“Roles evolve and the business has evolved so much since we first came into the sport. Operationally, I run this on a day-to-day basis.
“For any significant decisions, of course, we confer, whether it be drivers or strategic calls. It’s a partnership that has worked for many, many years. Everybody has their role and function to play.”
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