F1, Helmut Marko with no brakes on Christian Horner and Max Verstappen

At Spa, site of the Belgian GP, it was strange not to see Christian Horner at the Red Bull wall. After 20 years, the’now former team principal watched the GP from home. All normal, at least according to Helmut Marko.

The 82-year-old “consultant” of Red Bull explained, in a very simple but straightforward manner why the decision was made to fire Christian Horner and entrust the team leadership to Laurent Mekies: “In Formula 1, everything works like in soccer. If things don&#8217t work out, the coach has to leave” his clear words to Austrian media Kleine Zeitung.

Helmut Marko is already enthusiastic about the job Christian Horner&#8217s heir is doing: “The transition has gone very well. Laurent is a sociable person, he gets along well with people and I hope this will have a positive effect”.

Then, an important statement, especially for Red Bull fans. Helmut Marko addressed the future of Max Verstappen. As is well known, the four-time World Champion is at the center of many driver market rumors (there is talk of a possible move to Mercedes): “I can confirm that Max Verstappen will drive for Red Bull in 2026”, the closing of Helmut Marko himself. In short, all decided and all planned.