Christian Horner insists his position in charge of Red Bull’s Formula 1 team is secure following a weekend of intense speculation in Jeddah.
Reports yesterday that Red Bull’s motorsport consultant Helmut Marko could be suspended in the wake of an investigation into Horner’s conduct prompted a concerned reaction from its star driver Max Verstappen. The world champion said Marko’s departure from Red Bull would lead him to reconsider his future at the team.
Marko is reported to have met with Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff today and subsequently indicated he will not be suspended. However Verstappen’s show of support for Marko has led to speculation over Horner’s position.
Speaking after today’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, in which Verstappen scored his ninth consecutive victory, Horner dismissed claims of a battle for leadership at Red Bull.
“No, look, obviously, a lot is made of this stuff,” he told Sky. “But we are one team and nobody is bigger than a team.
“This team comprises, across the different entities, over 1,400 people. And everybody has a role to play from the very bottom to the very top. And without them performing, you don’t achieve performances like this. Unfortunately there’s been a lot of speculation this weekend, but once again our focus is very much on-track.”
Verstappen’s father Jos has repeatedly said Horner cannot remain in charge of the team in the wake of the report and subsequent leak of information which purportedly appeared in it. Asked whether the driver’s comments indicated disunity at the team, Horner said: “Max is an important member of our team, he is a valued member of our team.
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“He’s a wonderful driver, but everybody has a role to play in this team. We are a team and and no single individual is bigger than the team. That’s the only way that you achieve these kinds of results.”
Drawing attention to Verstappen’s unprecedented achievements at Red Bull over the past years, Horner said: “Today was Max’s 100th podium finish, all of which have been in Red Bull Racing cars.
“It was his 56th race victory. We move ahead of Williams on 114 victories in what’s only our 20th year. This is an incredibly strong team that has strength in depth that is achieving these kind of results.”
“Obviously there’s rumblings,” Horner added when pressed about the comments made by the Verstappens. “I’m aware of what’s been said.”
Horner admitted…
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