‘Various factors. But primarily...’: Truth finally comes out after Horner sacking

Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko has revealed the primary reason for Christian Horner’s sacking after months of damaging headlines.

Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko has revealed that the primary cause of Christian Horner’s sacking was underwhelming performances on the track.

In an interview with Sky Germany before last weekend’s Belgium Grand Prix, the first race since Horner’s dismissal, Marko said that a lack of success this season was one of “various factors” behind the decision to remove Horner from his dual roles as team principal and chief executive earlier this month.

Horner was at the helm of Red Bull for more than 20 years, and enjoyed a dominant spell in recent times with Max Verstappen winning four consecutive world titles from 2021-2024.

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This year has been slim pickings however, with Red Bull sitting fourth in the constructor’s standings heading into this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

Verstappen is third in the driver’s standings, but well behind McLaren pair Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

Meanwhile, the second Red Bull seat has been an ongoing saga as Liam Lawson replaced Sergio Perez at the end of last season, only to be outed for Yuki Tsunoda after only two races.

The departure of legendary designer Adrian Newey was a significant loss as several key figures bid farewell.

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Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Christian Horner, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing talk in the garage during practice. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Allegations made by a female colleague against Horner of inappropriate behaviour also made things unstable - Horner denied the accusations and was cleared firstly by an internal investigation and secondly following an appeal.

Marko would not pin point any of those factors as instigating Horner’s removal, only performance across race days.

“The decision was made by the management - that is, Oliver Mintzlaff,” Marko told Sky Germany.

“We informed Christian Horner of it in London. At the same time, we officially thanked him for 20 years and eight world titles.

“It was the result of various factors. But primarily, performance was not quite where it should be.”

Dr Helmut Marko, Team Consultant of Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on during qualifying. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)

Horner was replaced by Laurent Mekies, who was promoted from Red Bull’s secondary team, Racing Bulls, and Marko has been impressed with what he has seen so far from the Frenchman.

“Luckily, we were able to bring in Laurent Mekies from within the Red Bull family. His role will be significantly more focused - primarily on racing,” Marko said.

“He’s an excellent engineer, which is a good fit considering the complex technology in Formula 1.

“We’ve already seen that he communicates very well with the staff. We’re hopeful that we can gradually return to the top.”

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Mekies is the latest team principal to come from an engineering background with McLaren’s Andrea Stella the leading example at present.

Marko believes Mekies’ technical experience can provide a significant boost to Red Bull going forward.

“I believe that’s definitely an advantage. Other teams have gone this route before us,” Marko said.

“Also, the scope of the role has been clearly reduced. The company has 2,000 employees. Mekies will mainly focus on the technical side and racing.

“Marketing, the RB17 project, or Powertrains are each handled by separate departments. So, he can dedicate his full energy to racing success.”

Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Dr Helmut Marko. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

There was speculation in the aftermath of Horner’s sacking that team bosses had made the decision to increase their chances of keeping Verstappen for next season and beyond.

The Dutchman has been linked with a move to Mercedes, and he said in Belgium that he maintained a strong relationship with Horner, and accepted the decision from the top levels of the team hierarchy.

Verstappen’s father, Jos, called for Horner to leave Red Bull in March 2024 after the misconduct allegations were made against him.

The ex-racer spoke to Sky Sports’ Martin Brundle and Nico Rosberg on the grid in Belgium on Sunday, and said he had no issues with the current state of things at Red Bull.

“They decided to change. I’m fine with everything,” he said.

Verstappen was reminded by Rosberg of his calls for Horner’s exit, to which he replied: “That was one and a half year ago. It’s different. I have nothing to say. It’s fine.”

Then asked if he was staying quiet following the decision, he said: “I’m always quiet.”

Originally published as ‘Various factors. But primarily...’: Truth finally comes out after Horner sacking