Christian Horner and Helmut Marko rift details emerge after Red Bull hold 'crunch talks' behind the scenes

Christian Horner and Helmut Marko rift details emerge after Red Bull hold 'crunch talks' behind the scenes

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 06/03/2024

- 08:45

The Red Bull chief is fighting on as the weekend's race rapidly approaches

Christian Horner has reportedly held peace talks with Max Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermeulen, ahead of this weekend's Saudi Arabia Grand Prix - while it's also been claimed conflict with Helmut Marko dates back to last year.

The 50-year-old is still in the spotlight despite recently being cleared of misconduct by Red Bull, with Horner continuing to deny the allegations against him.


Verstappen's father, Jos, recently launched a stinging attack on the Briton following Saturday's Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.

Jos said Red Bull could 'explode' if Horner remains in the position of team principal, a role he's occupied ever since 2005.

Christian Horner

Christian Horner and Helmut Marko have fallen out as Red Bull prepare for the weekend's Saudi Arabia Grand Prix

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He also accused Horner of 'playing the victim', while calling for the 50-year-old to leave the F1 side.

There is uncertainty over Verstappen's future, despite the 26-year-old impressing in Bahrain by winning the first race of the season.

Reports have suggested the 26-year-old could leave the team, with Jos apparently telling friends that his son will depart 'if he has to'.

Now, however, crunch talks have been held.

Horner, according to the Daily Mail, held discussions with Verstappen's manager, Vermeulen, in order to address the situation.

They apparently talked things over in Dubai, with Horner keen to have Verstappen's backing while the saga continues to play out.

The report also says relations have strained behind the scenes with Marko at the centre of the rift.

Marko is an advisor and is highly respected by both Verstappen and his father, having played a key role in the driver's career so far.

It's claimed Verstappen 'fought for' Marko when there were 'moves afoot to shuffle him out of the door last year'.

Horner was seen as responsible for that dispute.

And it's stated there is 'still a wedge between the two sides dating back to this dispute'.

Horner and Verstappen are set to face the media later today as the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix creeps closer.

They are likely to be quizzed on what the mood in the camp is at present, with speculation over a potential departure for either man continuing to rumble on.

Horner was reportedly snubbed for Jos' 52nd birthday celebrations in the wake of comments made by the Dutchman.

Jos won't be attending this weekend's race in Saudi, however, with Verstappen's father set to take part in a rally in Belgium instead.

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Christian Horner Geri Halliwell

Christian Horner has been supported by Geri Halliwell as the Red Bull saga continues to rumble on

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Geri Halliwell, Horner's wife, is also set to be absent for the race in the Middle East.

And Horner thanked the Spice Girls icon for her support at the weekend, with the pair putting on a united front amid such a testing time.

“Obviously it’s not been pleasant. The unwanted attention, but the focus is now very much on the cars," he said.

"My focus has very much been on what’s going on on track and the result today I think demonstrates where the whole team’s focus is and we move onwards.”

He added: “My focus is on racing. What people choose to write is up to them.

Christian Horner

Christian Horner is keen to have the backing of Max Verstappen as Red Bull make plans for this weekend's Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia

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"But my focus coming out of this weekend is on the next race in seven days time in Saudi Arabia.

“I’m not going to comment on what motives, whatever person may have for doing this.

"My focus is on this team, my family, my wife and going racing.

"I have the support of an incredible family, of an incredible wife, of an incredible team and everybody within that team and my focus is on going racing and winning races and doing the best that I can.”

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