F1 News: Red Bull Chief Shuts Down Helmut Marko Friction Rumours

"Everybody has their role and function to play.”

After senior advisor Dr Helmut Marko recently revealed that he will decide when he wants to exit Red Bull, team principal Christian Horner shut down rumors that he was trying to push Helmut to leave the organization. 

Sport1.de reported earlier this week that Red Bull was discussing Marko's current status within the organization since his position was open for review after the death of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz last year, of whom he was a close aide.

The report stated that Horner was looking to move Marko out of his way so he could take full control of the organization's F1 operations. However, Speaking to Mirror Sport, he has rubbished the rumors that suggested there was friction within the Milton Keynes outfit. He said:

“My relationship with Helmut goes back to 1996, when I first bought the trailer from him to compete in the Formula 3000 championship.

"I then competed against his team and then, 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 [Red Bull founder, who died last October].

"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.”

F1 Rumour: Red Bull Tensions Rise Between Christian Horner And Helmut Marko

Horner added that the two talk regularly about all aspects and acknowledged that it is slightly different for Marko after the passing away of colleague and friend Mateschitz last year. He added:

"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. 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. Everybody has their role and function to play.”