Horner responds to rumours about Marko departure from Red Bull Racing

Recently, rumours of Marko's possible departure suddenly surfaced. The rumours came from Brazil's O Globo, which additionally suggested that Horner would prefer to see the Red Bull advisor leave in order to gain more power over the team himself. Commenting, Marko revealed that "he himself will decide on his own future, and not Mr Horner". He also denied the alleged meeting at which Red Bull's board would decide on his future.

Horner denies rumours of Marko's departure

Horner agrees with his colleague's words and strongly denies that he would try to work Marko out of the team. "My relationship with Helmut goes back to 1996, when I first bought the trailer from him to compete in the Formula 3000 championship," the Red Bull team boss began in conversation with Mirror Sport.

Both participated in that championship with their own teams. "When he was responsible for the junior drivers at Red Bull, I contracted those drivers from him in Formula 3000 and won the championship. As a result of that, he recommended me and provided me with the opportunity, in front of Dietrich Mateschitz," he says of the moment he was appointed team boss of the Formula 1 team founded in 2005.

Horner: 'Without Marko, I would not be in this position'

According to Horner, this contributes to the fact that he will always remain loyal to Marko. "Without Helmut, I wouldn't be in the position that I am today. Like with the young drivers that he has given an opportunity, he also gave me that opportunity. We've always enjoyed a very strong and open relationship. Of course, there are things that we disagree on now and again, but I think that's healthy," he continued.

According to Horner, the death of Red Bull co-founder Mateschitz has no bearing on whether Marko can continue at the Austrian team. "We speak very regularly about all aspects. For Helmut, it's slightly different to how it used to be since the passing of his friend and colleague Dietrich, but he still has a very valuable role that he plays within the team and there is absolutely no intent or desire from me, or anyone within the team, to see that change."

"For as long as he wants to continue – he's still a very spritely 80-year-old – I don't see any change in the way that we work," Horner added. "Roles evolve and the business has evolved so much since we first came into the sport. Operationally, I run this on a day-to-day basis. For any significant decisions, of course we confer, whether it be drivers or strategic calls. It's a partnership that has worked for many, many years."