Marko on Horner's Book: A Real Shame and a Collection of Lies

Former Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko has accused Christian Horner of lacking decency over the decision to release his autobiography, "Drive," today on 22 October—marking the fourth anniversary of Dietrich Mateschitz's passing.

The Austrian labelled the release date "a real shame" and dismissed the memoir's contents as a "low-grade collection of lies," while refusing to delve into the specific allegations aimed at him.

Horner's book has reignited one of the most bitter internal feuds in Formula 1 history. In it, the former Red Bull team principal claims Marko leaked confidential intellectual and operational information to the media. He alleges that Adrian Newey was so incensed by the leaks that team management deliberately began withholding details from Marko during technical meetings.

Horner also details his dismissal in 2025, claiming Marko stood alongside Oliver Mintzlaff and repeated the corporate slogan, "Everything is done for the can," while justifying the decision to part ways.

However, he made a point of directly refuting one particular claim.

In "Drive," Horner claims Marko never reached out to him after Beverley passed away last year—a period he describes as deeply painful, during which the Austrian was actively working to push him out of Red Bull. Horner described his silence at the time as completely devoid of class.

The rift between the two traces back to the power struggle that erupted following Mateschitz's death in October 2022. The team fractured into two camps—Horner's faction, backed by majority shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya, and the Austrian core aligned with Marko.

Horner added that all communication with Marko ceased after his final day at the factory, noting that their parting handshake was the last interaction between them.