Red Bull CEO quashes crisis talks and expresses confidence in Horner and Marko

17:29, 20 Apr

byNorberto Mujica

Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull GmbH's CEO, has reaffirmed his confidence in Christian Horner and Helmut Marko's leadership of Red Bull Racing, despite turmoil rumours.

"I have the utmost confidence in every employee. This also applies to our management team. Helmut and Christian both want maximum success and dedicate themselves to that cause. We have spoken about this again in the past few days."

Together for years, but not always a bed of roses

With a working relationship dating back to 2005 when Marko appointed Horner as Red Bull's team principal, the pair are now facing a milestone together.

"It's clear that every relationship has its ups and downs. One must not forget that the two will be running their 400th race together at the next Grand Prix in Miami. Helmut was the one who hired Christian in 2005. The two have a lot in common. It's clear that with all the pressure, emotions, and passion, emotions can sometimes run high. But then you need to talk about it behind closed doors. And that's what we do."

Mintzlaff does believe the relationship between both Red Bull Racing chiefs has seen better days, but despite this, Horner and Marko reached the joint decision to drop Liam Lawson to Racing Bulls and promote Yuki Tsunoda to Red Bull. A much criticised choice, which however, has received Mintzlaff's support.

"I understand that and find it justified. It was the right step. Formula 1 is a top-level sport and his performances were not up to par. It would have been wrong to keep Liam in the car. We would not be doing him a service by increasing the pressure on him. Ultimately, he understood and accepted this. We are glad he is back with Racing Bulls."