'Verstappen would rather sees Horner leave than Marko'

Horner asked for more influence after retaining AlphaTauri

Indeed, that was the thrust of the rumours that came out. Horner reportedly wanted more influence within the Red Bull ranks, and Marko would have to give up control or even leave the team partly as a result. Schumacher reported to German Sky Sport the possible reason for the power struggle. The sale of AlphaTauri is said to have caused tensions within the team.

Schumacher: "The sale was prevented in Salzburg because this was the wish of the late Dietrich Mateschitz." When the AlphaTauri team was retained by the Red Bull group, it was also decided that there should be more influence on the subsidiary team from Red Bull. Schumacher: "Because of this, Horner said, 'If I have to support more, I should also be able to have more influence.' I have a feeling Horner wants to take over AlphaTauri and make it as successful as possible so that one day he can sell it for a good price."

'Verstappen would rather see Horner go than Marko'

These comments did not end Schumacher's argument. The former driver put the story even further into perspective by stating that Horner is not liked by everyone at the Salzburg headquarters. Schumacher thinks Horner would be better off not fanning the flames further. Schumacher warns the team boss: "He is and was not uncontroversial in Salzburg."

Still, according to Schumacher, the bond between the two should not be misunderstood by the media. Schumacher: "Don't underestimate it. Dr Marko picked him [Horner] up early on and he is always by his side." To this, Schumacher himself adds a salient detail: "The story goes that Verstappen would not tolerate [Marko's] resignation and that he would rather see Horner go."