‘My relationship with Helmut is no issue’ – Horner
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Red Bull team principal Christian Horner insists his relationship with Helmut Marko is not an issue, amid speculation about their respective futures.
Horner was investigated after an allegation of inappropriate behavior was made against him, with the grievance being dismissed at the Bahrain Grand Prix. One week later in Saudi Arabia, Marko revealed he was also part of an investigation relating to leaks to the media, and that he could be suspended or opt to leave Red Bull if he wasn’t happy with certain conditions.
After a meeting with Red Bull executive Oliver Mintzlaff in Jeddah, Marko stated he would be continuing and that a way forward had been agreed, and Horner says that does not have an impact on the pair of them working together moving forward.
“The rumors about suspension was as news to the team as it was to anybody else,” Horner said. “So we were quite surprised to hear that. Helmut is a contractor to Red Bull GmbH so it was an issue between there and we weren’t party or part of that discussion.
“I’ve known Helmut since 1996 and he’s played an important role over the years. That role has evolved over the years, but I’ve known him for a very, very long time and coming up to 81 years of age he’s still obviously motivated about Formula 1 which is a positive thing.
“My relationship with Helmut is no issue. He’s always outspoken but that’s Helmut.”
Horner says the second consecutive one-two finish for Red Bull in Jeddah shows the team has retained its strength as a unit despite the controversies that have made headlines over the past six weeks.
“We’re focused on winning, and that’s what we do. That’s what we’ve done (in Saudi). That’s how we’ve started this season. Obviously, I’m aware of all the noise, but it hasn’t distracted the team from the job and we are one team.
“Now obviously speculation about Helmut is speculation about Helmut. Helmut doesn’t work for me. He doesn’t work for Red Bull Racing, he works for Red Bull GmbH. But I think you can see that there’s a very clear route that he’s looking forward and wanting to continue this incredible winning streak that we’ve been on.”
