Key Red Bull F1 legend reveals team future after Christian Horner firing

Christian Horner talking with Helmut Marko — Photo: © IMAGO

Formula 1

Key Red Bull F1 legend reveals team future after Horner firing

The Austrian has reacted to the dismissal of Horner as team principal

Kevin McKenna

Saturday 12 July 2025 03:00

Helmut Marko has spoken about the future of Red Bull's F1 team after they unexpectedly fired team principal Christian Horner this week.

The controversial Englishman was relieved of his role on Wednesday, with Laurent Mekies stepping up from the organization's junior Racing Bulls team to replace him.

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And now Marko has issued a statement thanking the 51-year-old for his vital contribution towards making the team what it is today, and declared the squad's intention to do everything in their power to help star driver Max Verstappen secure a fifth consecutive drivers' title.

In a post published on the official Red Bull Instagram account, Marko said: “Christian and I have worked together very successfully for over 20 years - both in Formula 1 and in Formula 3000.

"We helped developed two World Drivers’ Champions and several Grand Prix winners. That has always been - and still is - the Red Bull way.

“As for the current sporting situation: there are still twelve races to go, and we will continue to fight for the Drivers’ Championship as long as it's mathematically possible.”

Helmut Marko has paid tribute to Christian Horner following his exit

Verstappen's Red Bull future in the balance

Verstappen - who paid his own tribute to Horner on social media - has a fight on his hands to retain his crown as he enters the second half of the 2025 campaign.

The Dutchman has celebrated just two wins all year, and currently trails McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in the standings following a fifth-place finish at last weekend's British Grand Prix.

His cause hasn't been helped by the lack of support from his team-mates, with neither Liam Lawson or his replacement Yuki Tsunoda able to help combat the threat of his main rivals at the top end of the grid.

It remains to be seen whether the 65-time race winner will stay with the team heading into next season, as speculation refuses to over his future continues to dominate the headlines.

Verstappen is currently enjoying some time with his new baby ahead of the Belgian GP at the end of the month.