Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has denied recent rumours that stated he was trying to force Helmut Marko out of the side.
Earlier this week, Sport1.de reported that Red Bull was discussing the position of Marko, who has overseen the team’s development programme since 1999 and held an advisory role since 2005.
The German outlet further noted that Red Bull F1 team boss Horner was in favour of ousting Marko from his post and that a summit was being held this week.
But after Marko discarded the accuracy of the report to Austrian newspaper OE24, Horner has also quashed speculation ahead of this weekend’s United States Grand Prix.
“My relationship with Helmut goes back to 1996, when I first bought the trailer from him to compete in the Formula 3000 championship,” Horner explained to Mirror Sport.
“I then competed against his team and then, when he was responsible for the junior drivers at Red Bull, I contracted those drivers from him in Formula 3000 and won the championship. As a result of that, he recommended me and provided me with the opportunity, in front of Dietrich Mateschitz [Red Bull founder, who died last October].
“Without Helmut, I wouldn’t be in the position that I am today. Like with the young drivers that he has given an opportunity, he also gave me that opportunity.
“We’ve always enjoyed a very strong and open relationship. Of course, there are things that we disagree on now and again, but I think that’s healthy.”
Horner adds that he has no intent to lobby for Marko’s removal, insisting that the 80-year-old will be the one to decide when he walks away from his racing duties.
“We speak very regularly about all aspects,” he continued. “For Helmut, it’s slightly different to how it used to be since the passing of his friend and colleague Dietrich, 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. 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.”
