In a shocking revelation that is set to send shockwaves through the Formula 1 world, Helmut Marko, the former chief of Red Bull Racing, has accused Christian Horner of orchestrating a plot to have him suspended. This dramatic fallout marks a significant turning point in the sport, as for the first time in two decades, neither Horner nor Marko will helm the iconic team, which has undergone a major shake-up in personnel over the last two years.
Following his departure from Red Bull, Marko has unleashed a torrent of criticism directed at Horner, attributing his lengthy exit to the misfortunes that prevented Max Verstappen from clinching a fifth world title. In a candid interview with De Limburger, Marko did not hold back, labeling Horner a “liar” and accusing him of engaging in “dirty tricks.”
When questioned if he felt a sense of victory after parting ways with Horner, Marko was quick to dismiss the notion. “No. We had to do something because performance on the track was lagging behind,” he stated emphatically. “Had we done that earlier, we would have got things up and running faster this year, and Max would have become world champion. I am absolutely convinced of that.” He further revealed that the last few years working with Horner were far from pleasant, alleging that “dirty games” were afoot.
Among the most scandalous claims made by Marko are his accusations that Horner has engaged in manipulative tactics, particularly surrounding a controversial comment he made regarding Sergio Perez’s performance. In 2023, Marko ignited a firestorm by suggesting that Perez’s inconsistent form was linked to his cultural background, an assertion that drew widespread condemnation across the paddock. Although he later apologized, Marko insists that the backlash was engineered by Horner’s camp. “Do you remember me saying, during Sergio Perez’s time, that Mexicans are less focused than Dutch or Germans? That was fabricated, perhaps by them,” he asserted.
Marko went on to claim that further rumors about engine development issues and potential sponsor losses were also concocted by Horner’s faction. “Just like I supposedly spread the rumor in 2024 that the development of our engine was behind schedule and that we would therefore lose Ford as our sponsor,” he added, casting a shadow over the integrity of team communications.
In a dramatic twist, Marko suggested that Horner had actively sought to remove him from the team entirely. However, he credits Verstappen’s intervention during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix for thwarting that plan. “I never said that, but Horner wanted to use it to suspend me. Because Max stepped in at Jeddah, it didn’t happen,” he concluded, leaving the door open for speculation about the internal dynamics at Red Bull.
As the dust settles on this explosive saga, one thing is clear: the rivalry between Marko and Horner has reached unprecedented heights, promising to keep fans and insiders alike riveted as the new F1 season unfolds. With both men no longer in charge, the stakes have never been higher for Red Bull Racing, and the implications of this internal strife could resonate throughout the entire Formula 1 landscape.








