Despite dominating the 2023 season, all does not seem well at Red Bull. There is a rumored feud between Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and advisor Helmut Marko. Reports have claimed that Horner wants Marko sacked. While these rumors continue to gain steam, the 80-year-old has received an award from the Austrian city of Graz for his exemplary work at Red Bull.
Although there is no doubt that Marko has played an instrumental role in Red Bull’s success over the years, there are reports that Horner has now had enough of his long-time colleague. As per Brazilian outlet Globo, the 49-year-old wants the Austrian sacked for two reasons.
The report states that Horner is unhappy with Marko because of the “South American” jibe he launched at Sergio Perez.
Another reason is that the two have a contrasting stance over the future of Yuki Tsunoda. On the one hand, Horner wants the Japanese driver sacked. Meanwhile, on the other hand, Marko wants the 23-year-old to stay put because of the $10,000,000 paycheck he helps Red Bull earn from Honda each year.
While the topic of there being a rift in the Red Bull camp is just a rumor at this point, Marko has finally been awarded for his efforts.
Austrian City awards Helmut Marko for his contribution to Red Bull
According to a report put out by formulapassion.it, the jury of Graz decided to reward Helmut Marko with the Gerhard Hirschmann award for his “decades of work” at Red Bull and also in the development of Styria. After handing the award to the 80-year-old, Judith Schwentner, the deputy mayor of Graz, had some kind words for the Red Bull advisor.
“A critical and quarrelsome thinker, a nonconformist who has his own mind and defends his beliefs,” said Schwenter while describing the character of Marko. The Red Bull stalwart has indeed been just that, as he has been a part of the Milton Keynes outfit for the longest of times and has played a vital role in helping the team discover the best of talents in F1. Moreover, it was not just Schwenter who praised Marko for his contributions.
Municipal councilor for culture Günter Riegler also had some kind words for the Austrian: “Helmut surprises with his points of view and ways of arguing. He questions presumably immovable facts. He offers contributions to discussions through sarcastic and humorous exaggerations which pleasantly stand out from banalities“.
Despite all of Marko’s contributions, his stint at Red Bull could come to an end if the recent reports are true. However, the Austrian has no plans of ending his time on the team anytime soon. In a recent interview, the 80-year-old explained how it is he who decides when his time at the Milton Keynes outfit will come to an end.
Marko hits back at Christian Horner
In a recent interview with ORF, Helmut Marko did not hold back in acknowledging that the way Red Bull works has changed since the demise of founder Dietrich Mateschitz. Marko believes that certain “people are now trying to redefine their powers.” After stating the same, the 80-year-old added how Christian Horner is no one to decide for how long he will continue at Red Bull.
🚨 Helmut Marko denies Globo’s report that there’s a meeting regarding his future Red Bull
“There is no summit this week. I have a contract until the end of next year. When and how I stop, when it’s over, I decide, and not, for example, Mr. Horner.”
[OE24] pic.twitter.com/iUnlE0GhGs
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) October 17, 2023
The Austrian added that he remains committed to fulfilling his contract with Red Bull that ends at the end of next season, following which he himself will decide if he is keen to extend his stay. Since Marko is so confident of staying at Red Bull, fans can expect to see more of him next season.
