The long-running power struggle between Christian Horner and Helmut Marko has flared into public view once again following the release of Horner’s new book, *Drive*. Marko has dismissed the former Red Bull team principal’s claims as “a collection of untruths” and criticised both the content and the timing of the publication, ensuring the internal Red Bull conflict continues to generate headlines long after both men left the team.
At the centre of the latest exchange are Horner’s assertions about key driver decisions that shaped the careers of several current stars.
### HORNER’S CLAIMS ABOUT MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
In *Drive*, Horner alleges that Marko blocked or dismissed several high-profile driver targets during their time working together at Red Bull. Among the most striking claims is that Marko rejected the chance to sign Lewis Hamilton and showed little interest in prospects who later became leading figures in the sport, including George Russell, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Horner also claims Marko was initially reluctant to commit to Max Verstappen because of the combative influence of the Dutch driver’s father, Jos. These assertions paint a picture of a fractured decision-making process at the top of the organisation in the years following the death of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz.
### MARKO HITS BACK HARD
Marko has responded with characteristic bluntness. Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, the 83-year-old described Horner’s account as unreliable and questioned the former team principal’s loyalty given the size of his severance package.
“It’s a collection of untruths; I don’t even want to stoop to that level,” Marko said. “Given the massive severance package he received, one might have expected a bit of loyalty. And, once again: it’s just not my level.”
He reserved particular criticism for the decision to release the book on 22 October — the anniversary of Mateschitz’s death.
“I don’t think he even realises that his biography is being released on the very anniversary of Dietrich Mateschitz’s death,” Marko added. “But that’s entirely in keeping with this whole book affair. To me, it’s all completely incomprehensible.”
### PERSONAL ALLEGATIONS ALSO ADDRESSED
One claim that Marko was especially keen to refute concerned the death of Horner’s ex-wife. Horner had suggested Marko failed to offer condolences. Marko flatly contradicted that version of events.
“The only thing I wish to set straight is this: I actually sent him a written message of condolence regarding his ex-wife, who passed away from cancer. That is the only thing that matters to me,” he told Bild. “I have no interest [in talking to Horner]. And now this book! I’m only hearing about all of this through third parties.”
Marko also made clear he has no intention of writing a rival account, stating he would “never stoop to such a level.”
### THE RICCIARDO CHAPTER REVISITED
Horner’s book also revisits the departure of Daniel Ricciardo at the end of 2018. He describes feeling “so disappointed” when the Australian chose Renault despite a handshake agreement on a new Red Bull deal, and suggests Marko’s clear preference for Verstappen contributed to Ricciardo feeling undervalued.
According to Horner, Marko made little secret of his loyalties in internal meetings, focusing primarily on Verstappen’s car and creating an environment in which Ricciardo began to sense his time at the team was limited. Ricciardo himself later spoke of struggling with the aftermath of the Baku incident and feeling he had to work too hard to justify his worth during contract negotiations.
### AN UNRESOLVED RIVALRY
The latest exchange confirms that the bitterness between Horner and Marko remains unresolved. Their power struggle intensified after Mateschitz’s death and culminated in Horner’s dismissal mid-season in 2025 amid a high-profile workplace investigation. Marko himself later departed after controversies over unauthorised driver signings and media leaks.
Horner left with a reported payout exceeding £100 million. Marko left with his reputation as one of the most influential and uncompromising figures in the sport’s driver-development landscape intact, if further polarised.
### WHAT THE ROW CHANGES
In practical terms, the public dispute changes little about the current competitive order. Verstappen, Norris, Piastri, Russell and Hamilton are all established at the front of the grid regardless of who did or did not want to sign them years earlier. Symbolically, however, the row keeps the turbulent final chapter of Red Bull’s previous leadership era in the spotlight.
Horner has chosen to tell his version of events in print. Marko has chosen to reject that version in public. Between them, they have ensured that one of Formula 1’s most toxic internal conflicts continues to generate attention long after both men moved on from the team they once helped to dominate.
