According to Christian Horner, Helmut Marko's place at Red Bull is not in question

The affair surrounding Christian Horner at the start of the 2024 season is not slowing down. Shortly before Max Verstappen does not win the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Helmut Marko indicated on Austrian television that he ran the risk of being fired.

ALSO READ > Verstappen defends Marko and threatens Red Bull: “It’s very important that he stays in the team”

The former pilot converted into manager of the young pilots sector at Red Bull Racing was in fact suspected of being at the origin of leaks to the press involving the supposed behavior of Christian Horner towards an employee of the team.

In the space of a day, the rumor deflated. Max Verstappen made it clear that keeping Helmut Marko within the Red Bull galaxy was a necessity for his presence in the RB20 seat. Then, Helmut Marko himself explained that he would stay in office at least until the end of his current contract, i.e. for the next 3 years.

Shortly after Max Verstappen's victorious arrival in Jeddah, Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner provided clarification on Helmut Marko's current situation.

“I think the suspension rumor was as surprising to the team as it was to the media. We were quite surprised to learn this. Helmut is a contractor of Red Bull GmbH, so it was an issue between them. We did not participate in this discussion.

I have known Helmut since 1996 and he has played an important role over the years. This role has evolved over the years. I've known him for a very, very long time. » Christian Horner also ensures that Helmut Marko's place has never been called into question.

“There was no decision-making process around Helmut, so I don't really know where the rumor started. But it's not something I've been involved in. My relationship with Helmut is not a problem. I think he was always frank, but that's his character!. »