Helmut Marko denies Christian Horner’s claims regarding Max Verstappen

Red Bull Racing senior advisor Helmut Marko has publicly denied claims made by Christian Horner regarding the recruitment of Max Verstappen. The dispute stems from Horner’s autobiography, ‘Drive’, in which he alleged that Marko opposed signing Verstappen and had characterized his father, Jos Verstappen, as a problematic figure.

Marko has dismissed these assertions as an “absolute lie,” asserting that he was actually the key figure responsible for bringing Verstappen to the Milton Keynes-based team. Marko stated to the Austrian media outlet OE24 that he had to fight to maintain his decision against Horner, who reportedly believed Verstappen was too young and inexperienced for Formula 1 during his debut weekend in Barcelona.

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has also supported Marko’s version of events, suggesting that Horner’s account is inaccurate and noting that Marko had been monitoring Verstappen’s talent since the driver was eleven and a half years old.