Horner scoffs at power struggle rumour ‘pebble’ with Marko

Christian Horner has ridiculed rumours of an internal power struggle at Red Bull with Helmut Marko.

Reports emerged last week of a divide growing between the team principal and advisor, particularly over the past year since the death of Red Bull F1 team’s founder, Dietrich Mateschitz.

Speaking to Austrian outlet OE24, Marko pointed out that “due to the new situation, everything is different. People are trying to define their power again.”

As an employee of the Red Bull Group, and not Red Bull Racing, Horner is seemingly powerless anyway even if he was looking to oust Marko, who has a contract with his employers through to the end of next year.

The 80-year-old has also hit out at “the prophets of doom”, insisting that “when and how I stop, when it is over, that is up to me to decide and not, for example, Mr. Horner”.

Horner himself read the gossip with what he said was “some degree of humour”, which appeared to have emanated out of Brazil.

He added: “It’s amazing these days how a pebble can be dropped in the water in Brazil, and it can end up in a wave by the time it reaches Europe.

“It also demonstrates, now that we’ve tied up both championships, that there’s not a lot to be talking about, so it’s very easy for others to wind up the situation.

“But Helmut and have had a great relationship since 1996 when I first met him, and we have a very strong working relationship, and nothing’s changed.”

Prior to the weekend’s United States Grand Prix, three-time F1 champion Max Verstappen had also poured scorn on the rumour.

“From the outside people are trying to basically talk some BS (bullshit),” remarked Verstappen. “I think the mood in the team is very good. Everyone knows exactly what their role is.

“Of course, it was sad times last year when Dietrich passed away. But we tried to keep that legacy moving forward.

“Everyone that we have right now in the team is very important to that success that we’re having.

“So that’s why there are also no changes for the future. I think that basically explains it.”