Red Bull united: Marko declares truce with Horner

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In a bid to prioritize unity in a period where Red Bull’s on-track domination is being significantly challenged, Helmut Marko says a truce has been declared between Christian Horner and himself.

The early months of the 2024 season were shrouded in uncertainty for the championship winning outfit, with an internal investigation into claims of inappropriate behaviour by Horner compounded by whispers of a discord within the team.

While the Red Bull team boss was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing, speculation persisted about a power struggle between Horner and Marko, with Max Verstappen reportedly siding with the Austrian.

This perceived conflict seemed particularly concerning because of the unique structure within Red Bull. Horner, as team principal, oversees the day-to-day operations of the team.

Marko, on the other hand, acts as a senior advisor, reporting directly to Red Bull GmbH, the parent company. This structure means neither reports directly to the other, potentially creating room for friction.

Questions arose about Marko's future with the team. But while he initially avoided confirming his continued involvement, he ultimately clarified his intention to stay.

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Today, with Red Bull’s on-track battles with direct rivals Ferrari and McLaren heating up, the team seems to be prioritizing unity.

“We have reached a truce,” Marko told Austrian publication Kronen Zeitung in relation to Horner. “We will combine all our forces. Even if we are no longer superior, we want to win.

“But we definitely want to get the maximum out of it and look towards the World Championship title.”

With their rivals closing the gap, Red Bull's success hinges on a strong, unified leadership team. Marko's comments suggest a renewed commitment to collaboration between himself and Horner in the best interests of the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

"We have lost the dominance of the first three races,” Marko said, addressing the team’s sporting concerns.

“The competition has caught up in the third year of the current regulations, copied some things and even improved them.

“There is not much room for innovation anymore. This is simply a logical development, nothing negative."

Red Bull's struggles last time out in Monaco have left the team wary of their chances in Canada. Both Marko and Verstappen identified kerb riding as a specific weakness for the RB20 in the Principality.

In Montreal, a layout where drivers often abuse the kerbs outlining the track’s slower corners, the RB20’s instability in such conditions might once again come into play.

“Ferrari is better there, also in terms of top speed,” Marko conckuded. “The fact is, we’re not going to Canada as favourites.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.