Helmut Marko has strongly criticised Christian Horner’s new book, dismissing it as a “collection of untruths” and accusing the former Red Bull team principal of showing a lack of loyalty to the organisation that made him successful. Marko also challenged Horner’s claim that he had failed to offer his condolences following the death of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz, producing a text message to dispute the allegation.
The latest exchange has reopened tensions between two of the most influential figures in Red Bull Racing’s history, with Marko questioning both the accuracy and the timing of Horner’s publication.
Marko produces message to challenge Horner’s claim
Marko had little interest in discussing Horner’s book when questioned by Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung.
“It’s a collection of untruths of such a low caliber that I won’t address it,” the 83-year-old was quoted as saying.
However, one particular allegation prompted a more direct response. Horner reportedly claimed that Marko had not offered his condolences following Mateschitz’s death.
Marko rejected that account and showed the Krone reporter a text message he had sent to Horner after the death, using the correspondence to challenge the former team principal’s version of events.
The dispute adds another layer to the increasingly public disagreement between the pair, whose partnership helped establish Red Bull as a dominant force in Formula 1.
Marko questions the timing of Horner’s book
Marko was also critical of Horner’s decision to publish the book on the fourth anniversary of Mateschitz’s death.
The Austrian, who was closely associated with Red Bull’s motorsport programme alongside Mateschitz, described the timing as “an embarrassment”.
Mateschitz died in October 2022, having played a central role in establishing Red Bull’s presence in Formula 1. Under his ownership, the team developed into a championship-winning operation, with Horner overseeing its day-to-day racing activities and Marko playing a key role in driver development and senior sporting decisions.
Their respective contributions were significant, but relationships within the organisation became increasingly strained during the controversies that surrounded Red Bull in Horner’s final period in charge.
“I would never stoop to that level”
Marko has made clear that he has little appetite for a private discussion with his former colleague to resolve their differences.
In an interview with RTL and Sky Sport, he said he had no particular interest in reading the book, although he acknowledged that he might look at it if Horner sent him a copy.
“No, actually I have no interest. Especially with the book! I only hear about it secondhand. Maybe he’ll send me a copy when it’s out, then I might read it. I haven’t planned on writing a book myself, even though there are plenty of things I could write about. But I would never stoop to that level,” Marko said.
His comments suggest that he has no intention of responding to Horner by publishing his own account of their time together at Red Bull.
Instead, Marko has dismissed the publication as a collection of inaccurate claims, indicating that he sees little value in prolonging the dispute through competing personal accounts.
Marko questions Horner’s loyalty to Red Bull
The former Red Bull adviser also took issue with Horner’s decision to criticise people associated with the organisation after his departure.
“Especially after the huge severance package he received, one would have expected some loyalty,” Marko said.
The remark highlights the continuing bitterness surrounding Horner’s exit from Red Bull, where he spent two decades as team principal and oversaw multiple Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship victories.
Horner’s departure marked the end of one of the longest and most successful leadership tenures in modern Formula 1. However, the latest exchange suggests that the disagreements surrounding his final years at the team have not been settled.
With Marko publicly disputing specific claims and questioning the book’s timing, the publication has become another flashpoint in the relationship between two figures whose shared achievements helped shape Red Bull’s place in the sport.
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The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
How can HM make ANY comment on the accuracy – or otherwise – of CH’s claims if he’s not even READ the book?
SURELY one can understand that CH might no longer feel loyalty to RBR after being unceremoniously dismissed: and the severance package he received HAD to take account of the contract being broken with some years still outstanding.
Shut it Marko you snake & take the wife beater with you