Shortly after the Abu Dhabi GP, it was announced that the collaboration between Marco and “Red Bull” would end immediately, although the contract was still valid. This happened in the same season in the middle of which Horner was also fired after 20 years in the position. Marco, however, denied that it was a personal power struggle. “That’s how the media described it, but there was nothing personal,” he told De Limburger newspaper.
Marko reminded that together with the late Dietrich Matešica, he founded “Red Bull Racing” in 2005, but the power of decision has always been in Austria. After the death of Matešić in 2022, the situation changed – according to Marko, Horner tried to strengthen control with the support of Thai co-owner Chalem Juvidja. “I did everything in the name of Austria to prevent this,” emphasized Marko.
He admitted that Horner was fired for sporting reasons. “The results dropped. If we had done it earlier, we would have been back on track sooner and Max would have been champion this year. I’m absolutely sure of that,” Marco said. Verstappen returned to title contention under Laurent Mackies after the summer break and finished just two points behind champion Lando Norris.
Marko was also highly critical of Hornell’s final years with the team, alleging smear campaigns against him. “Foul games were played,” he said, adding that Horner eventually lost Juvidia’s trust as well.
