Verstappen: 'Unpleasant matter with Horner solved faster under Mateschitz'
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The start of the 2024 Formula 1 season was turbulent for Red Bull Racing due to all the news surrounding Christian Horner. Max Verstappen thinks Dietrich Mateschitz could have played an important role during that period and also points out what is important for him to stay with the team in the end.
''Of course that was not pleasant, but I would say that the matter with Dietrich Mateschitz would have been resolved much faster,'' Verstappen stated in an interview with Blick. Mateschitz, Red Bull's co-founder, was firmly in control for many years, but passed away in 2022. Since his death, things changed at the top in Red Bull.
Whereas Mateschitz, despite a minority stake in Red Bull Austria, had full control over Red Bull's sports branch, that right expired upon the Austrian billionaire's death. As a result, not Red Bull Austria, but the Thai side had the deciding vote. Chalerm Yoovidhya was therefore regularly seen in the paddock in early 2024 and openly expressed his support for Horner.
The battle between Horner and Marko
It resulted in a conflict within Red Bull, as the Austrian side seemed to prefer to get rid of Horner as team boss. For his part, Horner tried to get Helmut Marko out of the team, but Verstappen defended Red Bull's advisor for that. 'If Marko leaves, then I'll leave too,' Max stated at the start of the season.
Marko stayed on and so did Verstappen. Because things were not quiet around Max either. The Dutchman was linked to Mercedes, also held talks with Toto Wolff, but a deal did not materialise. ''I am happy with where I am. One of my conditions is always the same: my discoverer and supporter, Helmut, must stay.''
The bond between the two was also highlighted earlier this year by a so-called side-letter included in Marko's contract. If Marko left, Verstappen could also then be on his way, too. In 2024, that was removed from the contract, returning calm to the team. The Dutchman and the Austrian stayed, and Marko was also given more say over the drivers, with Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar both promoted.
This article was written in collaboration with Norberto Mujica
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