In 2026, Red Bull will be without two of the most symbolic figures of its recent history. Christian Horner and Helmut Marko are both no longer part of Red Bull’s organisational structure, marking the end of a twenty-year era of technical and managerial dominance. However, this separation also brings to light unexpected behind-the-scenes details that help explain what truly happened within the team.
In recent years, the internal atmosphere at Red Bull had become increasingly tense. The rift between Horner and Marko widened significantly after the end of the 2023 season, turning into a full-blown power struggle that undermined the foundations of a team that had once appeared untouchable.
The consequences were severe. A chain of departures followed, with key figures leaving not only at management level but also across the technical and engineering departments. After confirming his definitive departure, Helmut Marko decided to speak out. He did so in an interview with De Telegraaf, a Dutch newspaper historically close to the Verstappen camp.
Red Bull nearly fell apart because of Horner
The choice of outlet was far from accidental and sent a clear message of a position shared by those close to the four-time world champion. Marko dismissed the idea that he had personally “won” the internal battle. “Me, the winner of the war with Horner? No,” the former Red Bull advisor explained. “We had to do something because our on-track performance was lagging behind. If we had done it earlier, Max would have become world champion. I am absolutely convinced of that.”
Marko then delivered a blunt assessment of the final years of their collaboration. “The last years with Horner were not pleasant. Some dirty tricks were played,” he said.
The Austrian went even further, referring to specific incidents. According to Helmut Marko, Christian Horner acted like an internal saboteur. “Do you remember when it was said that I had claimed Mexicans are less focused than Dutch or German people? That was completely made up,” he stated. “The same happened in 2024, when it was reported that I had said engine development was behind schedule and that we were going to lose Ford. I never said that. Horner wanted to use it as a reason to suspend me.”
According to Marko, only the direct intervention of Max Verstappen prevented that suspension. “Thanks to the fact that Max intervened in Jeddah, it didn’t happen,” he explained. This detail further underlines the influence the Dutch driver holds within the internal dynamics of the team.
Ultimately, the internal war appears to have turned against Horner himself. The British team principal is said to have lost the support of the Thai ownership bloc. “More and more often, we were able to prove that Horner was lying about everything,” Helmut Marko claimed. “When Chalerm Yoovidhya also realised this, he came back to his senses.”
Now Red Bull must begin again from scratch, and it will do so under the leadership of Laurent Mekies.
The internal power dynamics and political struggles within top F1 teams often prove as crucial as the on-track performance. With a significant leadership change now confirmed, Red Bull faces the challenge of maintaining technical momentum while establishing a cohesive new structure under Laurent Mekies. The transition of power will be closely watched by rivals aiming to exploit any instability. How do you think the new Red Bull leadership structure will impact their performance and ability to compete for the title next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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