Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says no individual is bigger than the team amid speculation regarding the futures of Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko.
The ongoing saga at Red Bull took a number of twists during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend, with Marko suggesting he could be suspended as part of an investigation into leaks to the media relating to allegations against Horner. After a meeting with Red Bull executive Oliver Mintzlaff on Saturda, Marko stated he would continue in his role, but not before Verstappen had launched a robust defense of the advisor and said his future was heavily linked to Marko’s.
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“Firstly, Helmut is a consultant to Red Bull GmbH, so whatever the discussion was it was between them and not the team,” Horner told Sky Sports after Verstappen’s win in Jeddah. “Max is an important member of our team, a valued member of our team and a wonderful driver, but everybody has a role to play in this team.
“We are a team and no single individual is bigger than the team. That’s the only way you achieve these results.
“[Saturday] was Max’s 100th podium finish, all of which have been in Red Bull Racing cars, and it was his 56th race victory. We move ahead of Williams on 114 victories in what is only our 20th year and this is an incredibly strong team that has strength and depth that is achieving these results.”
Horner denied there was a battle for control of Red Bull, following Marko’s comments and Verstappen’s public show of backing, with Jos Verstappen having reiterated his belief that it is problematic if the team principal remains in his role.
“No, look, no. A lot is made of this stuff, but we are one team and nobody is bigger than the team. This team comprises across the different entities of over 1,400 people and everybody has a role to play, and that’s from the very bottom to the very top. Without them performing you don’t achieve performances like this and unfortunately there has been a lot of speculation this weekend, but once again our focus is very much on track.
“Obviously there’s rumblings and I’m aware of what’s been said, but Max is an important part of this team. He’s our driver and he’s doing a great job. As team principal and CEO, I’m responsible for the running and the operation of this team, so everybody has to do their part. Max is doing his part and everybody else is doing their part.”