Horner addresses Marko relationship after ousting claims

Christian Horner has dismissed speculation that he is trying to oust Dr Helmut Marko from Red Bull as part of a potential power struggle at Red Bull.

It was claimed in Brazilian media by former F1 driver Luciano Burti that a summit was to be held at this weekend's United States Grand Prix where Motorsport Advisor Marko's future would be discussed.

For his part, Marko insisted that he would only step back as and when he decided it was time to do so.

Marko is not a direct employee of Red Bull Racing and as such, Horner has no direct control over the Red Bull GmbH appointed advisor who now reports to Oliver Mintzlaff following the death of Marko's long-time friend and Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz in October 2022.

Horner and Marko have a long-standing relationship going back to the former's days as a budding driver himself and when was he taking his first steps as a team manager, and has directly responded to the claims he is trying to engineer Marko out of the team.

Horner discusses Marko relationship

"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," Horner explained to the Daily Mirror.

"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 [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.

"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 and 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.