‘Horner tried to oust Marko just before his own departure’

After twenty years of service, Horner had to immediately step down from Red Bull. Although his departure had been looming, the timing in the middle of the season is remarkable.

"The smoke has somewhat cleared after this morning's news that Horner has indeed immediately disappeared from the Red Bull Racing team," Mol began on Ziggo Sport.

The question arises as to why Horner had to leave at this point in the season. There is no clear answer, and the team boss himself did not have a clear reason for his departure either. GPblog had previously reported that reducing Horner's power was a significant factor for Verstappen to stay with the team.

"Was this done to bring peace to the Verstappen camp?" the Dutchman wondered. "To show that no one is bigger than the team. If it's necessary for peace, then we even dismiss Horner. It's been rumbling since last year."

Then Mol introduced a surprising rumor. "There are rumors that he wanted to have a meeting in the morning to see if he could get rid of Dr. Helmut Marko."

This seems a very strong story since Horner had already received Red Bull's decision on Tuesday and the relationship between the Verstappens and Marko is significantly better than with Horner.

Mol then concluded that this will probably be a strong story. "Well, that wouldn’t have gone down well with Verstappen. Whether all this is connected, I don’t really know."

"I think it might be to ensure that now at Verstappen and the like, they know, 'Guys, we fully opt for you'. And this also brings a bit of peace to the place concerning the potential exit of Max Verstappen," Mol continued his story.

Whether Verstappen will actually stay at Red Bull is not yet certain, as the sporting performances also really need to improve. Mol expects to get clarity about this quite soon. "Also, clarity is expected to come about in about a month, if everyone is to be believed."

"But yes, it is quite a shock. He was the longest-serving team principal in Formula 1. And was, of course, incredibly successful there. So, in that sense, it's a pity. A characterful man who has now had to leave the field at Red Bull. He was next in the long line of people. But he was the team principal, Christian Horner," Mol concluded.