Christian Horner claims he has a very ‘open relationship’ with Helmut Marko amidst rumors of power struggles at Red Bull

Christian Horner and Helmut Marko have been at Red Bull for a long time.

Christian Horner claims he has a very ‘open relationship’ with Helmut Marko amidst rumors of power struggles at Red Bull

David Coulthard, Christian Horner and Helmut Marko (Via IMAGO)

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has revolved around Helmut Marko and Christian Horner for decades. They are the two main pillars of the team and while Red Bull very recently secured the 2023 titles, rumors have made the rounds of there being some friction between Marko and Horner. Ahead of this week’s United States GP, the latter has given his verdict on the situation.

Horner and Marko have been doing a brilliant job for Red Bull for several years and while the former is the team principal, he has tremendous respect for everything that Marko has done. The 80-year-old veteran has still the will to contribute to the success of the team and Horner has made it known that he can continue at Red Bull for as long as he desires.

YouTube video

While shedding light on the same and the rumors of power struggles with Marko and Red Bull, Horner said, as reported by Racingnews360, “We’ve always enjoyed a very strong and open relationship, [and] 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.”

FS Video

He added, “For Helmut, it’s slightly different from how it used to be since the passing of his friend and colleague Dietrich [Mateschitz] 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. 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.“

Discover: Christian Horner explains why Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso can’t be teammates, says their partnership would ‘destroy’ the team

Christian Horner and Co. have had a tremendous 2023 F1 campaign

While Christian Horner has made it clear that he has no intentions of ousting Helmut Marko from Red Bull, the Austrian outfit overall has had a season to remember during the ongoing Formula 1 campaign. As mentioned earlier, Red Bull has very recently wrapped up both the 2023 Constructors as well as the Driver’s Championship.

Christian Horner and Max Verstappen (Credits: Imago)
Christian Horner and Max Verstappen (Credits: Imago)

Max Verstappen has brilliantly led the outfit’s charge and it is mainly because of his efforts that Horner and Co. were able to secure both titles with five races still remaining on the 2023 calendar. However, one thing that they still need to sort out is Sergio Perez’s position on the team. The Mexican has disappointed Red Bull with his performances this year.

The 33-year-old has been under tremendous pressure during the ongoing second leg and there is a very real belief in the F1 paddock that he will be sidelined if he is not able to finish the 2023 F1 season in second place in the Drivers Championship. The upcoming five races could decide the future of Perez at the pinnacle of motor racing.

In case you missed it: