Christian Horner ‘tries to get rid of Helmut Marko’ as Red Bull political war erupts

Red Bull won the constructors’ and drivers’ championship titles this season.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner is said to have “tried to fire” advisor Helmut Marko as a political battle within the team erupted. The partnership between Horner and Marko helped Red Bull win six constructors’ championships and established them as a dominant force in F1.

However, Brazilian newspaper Globo reported growing tensions between Red Bull executives. They claim that the “power struggle” has become more intense since the death of Austrian tycoon and team founder Didi Mateschitz.

It seems that Horner wants to have complete control over the entire operations of the F1 team. The report highlights that Horner has “huge influence” over Red Bull’s feeder team, AlphaTauri, and contributed to discussions about driver and principal changes.

The team principal is said to be involved in the decision to hire new chief executive Peter Bayer, the former chief executive of the FIA. The report adds that Horner “wants to get rid of” Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda, who recently signed a new contract with AlphaTauri.

Horner could get his wish as Tsunoda has been linked with a move to Aston Martin, amid reports that Honda representatives are pushing to extend his contract with Red Bull initially resisting. This follows the emergence of Liam Lawson, who finished ninth in Singapore in just his third Grand Prix. The Japanese driver is in his third season with AlphaTauri and has scored points in three events with a 10th place finish. Tsunoda was the only points scorer until Lawson came on to replace the injured Daniel Ricciardo .

Tsunoda’s connection to Honda likely played a key role in his departure from sister team Red Bull. The Japanese engine manufacturer has signed an exclusive partnership with Aston Martin to supply its powertrains when new technical regulations take effect in 2026.

With Lance Stroll’s position at Aston Martin uncertain, the Japanese driver may have a seat. Red Bull are keen to give Lawson more opportunities and Tsunoda’s move could also be welcomed by Horner.