Horner exposes Helmut Marko’s role in shock Red Bull sack

Speaking on the Drive to Survive series, which is set to premiere on Friday, the 52-year-old singled out the former Red Bull advisor, highlighting his role in influencing the Red Bull GmbH managing director in dismissing him.

“I feel a real sense of loss and hurt. It was all rather sudden. I didn’t really get the chance to say a proper goodbye. I never imagined being in this position. Of course, your immediate reaction when you’re delivered a sandwich like that is to say, ‘F--- them’. I had something taken away from me which wasn’t my choice, and it was very precious to me,” Horner said.

When asked whether Max Verstappen and his father, Jos, had any involvement in his departure, the former team principal dismissed the idea. Although he acknowledged that Jos Verstappen has never been his biggest supporter, Horner insisted the Verstappen camp was not responsible.

“His father has never been my biggest fan. He’s been outspoken about me. But I don’t believe the Verstappens were responsible in any way,” he added.

Circling back to his claim about Marko being pivotal to his dismissal, he continued:

“I think this was a decision made by Oliver Mintzlaff, with Helmut Marko advising from the sideline. Ultimately, things changed within the business and the group. The founder died, and after Dietrich [Mateschitz]’s death, I was probably deemed to have maybe too much control,” he concluded.

Horner was relieved of his duties as team principal and CEO at Red Bull Racing days following the 2025 British Grand Prix. The 52-year-old’s sack came amid a period of underwhelming on-track performance and several off-track scuffles he was reportedly involved in.

Earlier, Marko himself stressed his belief that the Red Bull Racing team should have sacked Horner earlier.

The 82-year-old, in the aftermath of Horner’s departure from the racing outfit, admitted the delay in his dismissal cost Verstappen his fifth consecutive drivers’ championship.