The key facts

  • Marko called Horner's memoirs 'a collection of lies' and a 'disgrace' because of the release date — October 22, the anniversary of Dietrich Mateschitz's death.
  • Horner was dismissed in 2025 with compensation estimated by media at up to £100 million, and described his departure as 'quite abrupt and quite brutal'.
  • Horner claims Marko did not express condolences; Marko says he sent them in writing.

Conflict over the book

Former Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko on Thursday sharply criticized the memoirs of ex-team principal Christian Horner, released on October 22. The 83-year-old Austrian, in an interview with Sky Sports Germany, called the book 'a collection of lies' and added that he does not want to stoop to the level of such discourse. According to him, given the huge compensation Horner received upon dismissal, greater loyalty could have been expected from him. Marko also called it a 'disgrace' that the book is published on the day of the death of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz (2022), adding that Horner may not even be aware of this coincidence.

Accusations and rebuttals

Earlier, Marko had already stated that many of Horner's claims in the book do not correspond to reality. Horner, in turn, accused Marko of involvement in his dismissal, which occurred shortly after the death from cancer of his former partner — the mother of his daughter — as well as in failing to express condolences. Marko firmly denied this in an interview with the Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung: 'The only thing I want to clarify is that I even sent him written condolences regarding his former partner, who died of cancer. That is all that matters to me.' Marko and Horner worked together at Red Bull for more than 20 years.

Departure from the team

Horner led Red Bull to eight drivers' titles and six constructors' titles. In July 2025 he was removed from the position of team principal — 17 months after accusations of 'inappropriate behavior' by a female colleague. The parent company Red Bull GmbH twice declared him innocent, and his wife, former Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell, supported him. However, discontent grew within the team, a series of high-profile departures followed, and results on track deteriorated. The official dismissal took place in September 2025 with compensation that, according to available estimates, could reach £100 million.

Horner's appearance in New York

On Thursday, the 52-year-old Horner said at the Autosport Business Exchange conference in New York that his departure from Red Bull was 'quite abrupt and quite brutal'. He said he looks back on his achievements with pride and feels privileged to have worked with outstanding drivers. Horner also said that Red Bull shareholders recently called him to thank him for his contribution to creating the team's own power unit and its debut victory with Max Verstappen at the Bahrain Grand Prix. According to him, the victory on the 16th attempt was an outstanding achievement for all staff, and he was grateful to the shareholders and Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff. 'It was a very different call from the one 15 months ago,' he noted.