# Red Bull Racing internal leadership and history disputes > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/red-bull-racing-internal-leadership-and-history-disputes > Updated: 2026-10-23T06:10:00.000Z. Sources: 36. Developments: 3. Internal disputes and reflections have emerged within Red Bull Racing regarding team history and leadership. Senior advisor Helmut Marko has dismissed claims made in Christian Horner’s autobiography, ‘Drive’, calling Horner’s account of the recruitment of Max Verstappen an “absolute lie”. Marko asserts he was the primary figure responsible for signing Verstappen, contradicting Horner’s allegation that Marko opposed the move and criticized Verstappen’s father. In his memoir, Horner confirmed that he and Marko no longer maintain a relationship following his departure from the team in 2025, which he described as a “sudden and quite brutal” process. Horner criticized Marko for allegedly working to undermine his authority, pushing for his dismissal, and leaking internal operational data to the media. Marko has countered these claims, describing the book as a “collection of untruths of such a low calibre” and an “embarrassment.” Horner’s autobiography also addressed his professional relationship with designer Adrian Newey. Horner claimed that during the 2014 transition to V6 hybrid engines, Newey intended to ‘abandon ship’ at the first sign of adversity. Newey, now the managing technical partner at Aston Martin, contested this, stating his frustration stemmed from Renault’s perceived lack of intention to resolve power unit deficiencies. Following the United States Grand Prix, Newey reiterated his stance on the 2014 period, explaining his frustration was directed at the engine manufacturer rather than a desire to leave the team. Despite the historical friction described in Horner’s book, Newey maintained that he and Horner “remain friends.” Max Verstappen has declined to comment on the autobiography, stating he prefers to focus on the present rather than revisiting past events. ## Claims - Christian Horner admitted to pressuring race director Michael Masi during the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Horner felt the initial decision that lapped cars could not overtake would prevent a direct battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Laurent Mekies described the relationship between Red Bull and Max Verstappen as one of absolute frankness and mutual trust. (single source) - Red Bull does not plan any further technical updates for the 2026 F1 season. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-23: Adrian Newey responds to Christian Horner's autobiography claims Adrian Newey has refuted Christian Horner's claims in his memoir ‘Drive’ regarding Newey's loyalty during Red Bull's 2014 struggles, while also addressing Aston Martin's current partnership with Honda. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/christian-horner-and-helmut-marko-clash-over-red-bull-exit ### 2026-10-18: Christian Horner reveals internal Red Bull conflicts in new memoir Former Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner's new memoir, ‘Drive’, reveals deep internal conflicts with Helmut Marko and details his role in the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi GP. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/red-bull-racing-figures-discuss-verstappen-relationship-and-2021-controversy ### 2026-10-15: Helmut Marko denies Christian Horner’s claims regarding Max Verstappen Helmut Marko has denied claims in Christian Horner’s autobiography that he opposed recruiting Max Verstappen, calling the allegations an “absolute lie.” 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/helmut-marko-denies-christian-horners-claims-regarding-max-verstappen --- Cite as: Red Bull Racing internal leadership and history disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/red-bull-racing-internal-leadership-and-history-disputes