Horner downplays Verstappen's influence: 'Not bigger than the team'

Helmut Marko is not saying goodbye to Red Bull Racing after all, it became clear after a consultation between the external advisor and the Red Bull GmbH management. Christian Horner was asked about that conversation after the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.

Horner did not - or could not - say much about the Marko news at first: "He is a consultant to Red Bull GmbH so whatever the discussion was between them and not the team," Horner told Sky Sports.

Horner praises strength Red Bull

Asked if Max Verstappen had any influence on the decision to let Marko stay, an evasive answer came from the team boss. He said Max is "an important member" of the team and that "no single individual is bigger than the team". "Today was Max's 100th podium finish, all of which have been in Red Bull racing cars, it was his 56th race victory, and we move ahead of Williams on 114 victories in what's only our 20th year," Horner added

On Jos Verstappen's new statements, Horner - again - preferred not to comment. Indeed, Jos reiterated in a British newspaper that as far as he was concerned, the team principal should leave. "Our focus is very much on Melbourne," Horner concluded.