Helmut Marko and Christian Horner will not be part of Red Bull when the 2026 Formula 1 season begins, marking a significant change for a team that have seen them in key roles since their inception.
In recent months, Red Bull have undergone a major transition in senior management, resulting in the exit of several notable figures who have been central to the team’s identity.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen is still around and will lead them into this new phase under the 2026 F1 regulations. But there are more questions than answers about what that might look like.
Red Bull are also set to bring their own engines next season, making them one of the hardest teams to gauge heading into what could be a very unpredictable year.
Marko was upset by how his final conversation with Verstappen played out and had wanted to say goodbye to his friend in person.
And since leaving, he has accused Horner of ‘dirty tricks’ during their time working together.
Fans hit out at Helmut Marko’s comments about Christian Horner
Marko suggests that a Red Bull return for Sebastian Vettel is unlikely, stating the four-time champion ‘lacks enough support’ to rejoin his former team in the Austrian’s previous role.
The 82-year-old recently accused Horner of undermining him and damaging his reputation, but his comments have not been well received online.
Plenty of supporters pointed out that some of what Marko denied is actually on video, and they were not shy about reminding him.
One fan wrote: “Adds a lot to his credibility, blatantly lying about not saying things freely available on video.”
Another responded: “No, he literally said it to a camera. It being brought up so often might have been Horner.”
A different fan questioned the logic behind Marko’s claims: “What would Horner gain from suspending him? The same people that fired Horner fired him as well.”
Someone else had a completely different take, focusing on the team’s future: “Glad they’re both gone. The organisation was stale, and it was costing Max.”
Others reflected on how far things had fallen between the two former Red Bull figures. One fan summed it up by saying: “Sad seeing Red Bull legends fighting on such [a] low level. Sad [day for] a Red Bull fan.”
Will Helmut Marko or Christian Horner make a return to F1 after leaving Red Bull?
Marko has said he feels a sense of relief now that he does not have to travel as much, something that can be taxing for anyone, especially at his age.
He managed it well in recent years, but Red Bull have decided they are ready to move forward without him after 2025, and a return to the paddock does not seem likely for him.
For Horner, the situation is more about timing. He is not allowed back into work until April, giving him some space to consider his next steps carefully.
Aston Martin is already off the table, with Lawrence Stroll dismissing that option. But Horner is expected to look for opportunities where he can secure a stake in a team. It all depends on who is open to having that conversation with him.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
