Marko Accuses Horner of 'Lying' in Wake of Red Bull Exits

Helmut Marko has launched a direct attack on former Red Bull colleague Christian Horner, accusing him of lying, as the fallout from the team's dramatic 2025 leadership exodus continues. The public accusation follows the confirmed departures of both Horner and Marko from the Red Bull organization this year, marking a seismic shift in the team's long-standing power structure.

Why it matters:

The public airing of grievances between two of the most influential figures in Red Bull's F1 history signals deep and unresolved fractures within the team's hierarchy. This level of acrimony following their exits raises questions about the internal culture that led to their departures and the stability of the team as it enters a new era without its foundational leaders.

The details:

• In an interview, Helmut Marko explicitly accused Christian Horner of "lying," though the specific context of the alleged falsehood was not detailed in the initial reports.
• This accusation comes after Red Bull GmbH confirmed Marko's departure from his senior advisor role, which followed Horner's earlier dismissal after the British Grand Prix.
• The sequence of events suggests a complete overhaul of the Red Bull F1 operation's leadership, removing the two men most synonymous with its success over the past two decades.

The big picture:

The departures and subsequent conflict cap a tumultuous period for Red Bull, which has dominated the championship in recent years. The power struggle and its bitter aftermath threaten to overshadow the team's on-track achievements and could impact morale and focus within the garage as they defend their titles.

• McLaren CEO Zak Brown commented on the situation, suggesting "things went sideways" for Horner at Red Bull but expressing confidence the former team principal would return to F1 in the future.
• Horner has been linked with a potential 2026 comeback, having reportedly reached a substantial settlement with Red Bull, though a move to Aston Martin was preempted by Adrian Newey's appointment there.

What's next:

The spotlight now turns to how Red Bull Racing stabilizes its operations and whether the public dispute between Marko and Horner escalates further. Meanwhile, the F1 paddock will watch closely for Horner's next move, with Brown's prediction suggesting the saga is far from over. The team's ability to maintain its competitive edge amidst this leadership vacuum will be one of the key stories of the 2026 season.