Red Bull advisor Marko candid: these things changed after Horner's departure

The Austrian advisor addressed the new role allocation within the team following Christian Horner's dismissal, and plan in terms of the drivers for the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Since Laurent Mekies joined as team principal, a lot has changed in Milton Keynes. Marko says that the Frenchman took time during the summer break to delve into the structure and personnel.

"He has worked in, made the structures and employees his own," he said in conversation with Kleine Zeitung.

In order to give Mekies more focus on the racing team, responsibilities have been distributed more broadly.

"The RB17 project is headed by Rob Gray, the engine department by Ben Hodgkinson. They have been given more responsibility. As a result, Laurent can focus more on the team. Steps have already been taken there, because he is simply an excellent technician", explains the Red Bull advisor.

The Red Bull family still has to make decisions in terms of driver line-ups: who will drive alongside Max Verstappen in the senior team, and which drivers will compete for Racing Bulls in 2026.

Rumours also mentioned Alex Palou as a candidate, but were however dismissed by his management. Marko, was also brief about it: "There is absolutely nothing in it."

At the same time, the 82-year-old Austrian speaks highly of the talents within his the Austrians' ranks. "Isack Hadjar has positively surprised and Arvid Lindblad is all according to plan. He is fully on schedule, is already fully integrated into the programme this year and gets more opportunities with us this year."