Horner Recalls Marko's Hesitation Over Verstappen Signing

Pulse Sports Team 13:59 - 27 September 2026

Former Red Bull Formula 1 boss Christian Horner continues his aggressive promotional campaign for his upcoming book, set to be released in the UK this October.

In the book, Horner criticizes Marko's management style, describing it as irritating and unreliable. However, Horner acknowledges Helmut's role in his career development, noting that Marko recommended him to the late Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz.

“If we turn back the clock, he gave me a chance. He saw something in me that he liked and took me to Dietrich,” Horner explained, quoting an excerpt from the book.

But he immediately clarified that their relationship had changed, especially after Mateschitz's death.

“Towards the end, especially after Dietrich passed away, he no longer performed any function. I think he always saw me as his protégé. And I seriously outgrew that role,” added Christian, who was dismissed from Red Bull last year.

Finally, Horner also recalled Marko's hesitation to sign Max Verstappen, due to his father Jos being a “nightmare.”

“Helmut's exact words were: 'We don't need this guy,'” Horner recounted. “He and I had different management styles. But I felt that in the end, I always had to deal with the problems. We know not everyone likes me. It's impossible for everyone to like you.”