Helmut Marko shares insight into shock Max Verstappen promotion: 'Christian Horner disagreed'

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has revealed that Christian Horner was opposed to the decision to promote Max Verstappen to the team early in 2016.

Just a handful of races into his second season, Verstappen was called up to partner Daniel Ricciardo, replacing Daniil Kvyat, who was demoted back to Toro Rosso.

Kvyat had endured a difficult start to the 2016 campaign, with his final Red Bull race seeing him collide twice with Sebastian Vettel on the opening lap in Russia.

Following a series of challenging performances, Red Bull ultimately opted to switch its drivers.

“Kvyat crashed twice in that race,” Marko told De Telegraaf.

“The year before, he performed adequately and was sometimes even faster than Daniel Ricciardo, particularly in the rain. 

“But in 2016, he was no longer the same driver and complained about the brakes from the very first day of testing. It was clear that we had to do something.”

Verstappen was chosen ahead of Carlos Sainz and instantly made an impression on his Red Bull debut.

The 18-year-old sensationally drove to victory, becoming the youngest race winner in F1 history.

Having since gone on to become one of the most successful drivers in the sport, the excitement over Verstappen’s promotion was not shared by everyone within senior management, Marko revealed.

“Max’s team-mate Carlos Sainz was very disappointed that we didn’t choose him,” he said. “But for us, it was a clear and simple decision. 

“Team principal Christian Horner disagreed with promoting Max after just four races in 2016; he was against it. 

“Just as many rivals and critics put me through the wringer and said that Max was still far too young and that this was a dangerous move.”