Marko: I would like to sincerely thank Horner

For years Marko and Horner have worked alongside each other at Red Bull Racing, the former mostly managing the driver aspects, with the latter taking care of the operational side of the Formula 1 operation base in Milton Keynes.

That relationship has delivered great success in the form of two world champions: Sebastian Vettel, who won four consecutive titles between 2010 and 2013, and then Max Verstappen, who also won four consecutive titles between 2021 and 2024.

There are also several F1 drivers both in and away from the paddock who have been developed through the cutthroat Red Bull junior driver program.

But like many other relationships within Red Bull Racing, that between Marko and Horner has become strained in the aftermath of the latter's sexting scandal back in 2024, with evidence of clashes clear in the manner second drivers in the team have been managed, from Sergio Perez, who was sacked at the end of the 2024 season, to the choice of Liam Lawson to replace him, lasting only two races in 2025, with Yuki Tsunoda now in the hot seat.

There have also been rumors that Horner wanted Marko out, and it was only down to the threats of the Verstappen camp, indicating the Dutchman would follow the Austrian should he leave Red Bull Racing, that kept the good doctor in his position.

However, it was Horner that has been shown the door at Milton Keynes amid one of the worst F1 campaigns the team is enduring, with Verstappen's title defense not looking good with a car only he can drive, meaning a constructors' title was out of the question early on.

Marko has become the latest Red Bull management figure to comment on the Horner ousting; he said in a statement released by the team on social media: “Christian and I have worked together very successfully for over 20 years—both in Formula 1 and in Formula 3000.

"I would like to sincerely thank Christian for that. During this time, we were able to celebrate an incredible number of outstanding achievements.

"We helped develop two World Drivers’ Champions and several Grand Prix winners. That has always been—and still is—the Red Bull way," he maintained.

And touching on the current situation in the F1 championship, Marko added: "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."

Verstappen is currently 69 points behind Oscar Piastri, who leads the 2025 F1 drivers' championship.