Max Verstappen would have won the 2025 World Championship if Red Bull had sacked Christian Horner sooner, claims the team’s former chief Helmut Marko
Former Red Bull chief Helmut Marko has said that Max Verstappen would have clinched the world championship in 2025 if Christian Horner had been sacked earlier.
The British team principal was let go in July after a two-decade stint with the team, which saw a significant upturn in performance under new leader Laurent Mekies. Verstappen narrowly missed out on the title, losing to Lando Norris in the season’s final race in Abu Dhabi.
Shortly after the season concluded, Marko also departed from his role, having spent 20 years with Red Bull. He has since taken a swipe at his former colleague, accusing Horner of hindering Verstappen’s progress.
Marko, who shares a close bond with the driver, is “absolutely convinced” that Verstappen would have outpaced Norris had the team severed ties with Horner earlier.
“We had to do something because our on-track performance was lagging,” Marko revealed to De Limburger. “If we had done that sooner, we would have gotten back on track faster this year, and Max would have become world champion. I’m absolutely convinced of that.”
Despite securing more Grand Prix victories than either of the McLaren drivers throughout the season, Verstappen finished just two points behind Norris. The Dutchman triumphed in the season’s final three races, but his poor early-season form proved too much to overcome.
It’s been a period of major struggle for Red Bull, who’ve bid farewell to two of their most senior figures in Horner and Marko. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar is set to partner Verstappen in 2026 following a remarkable maiden campaign.
The departing pair are reportedly walking away with substantial financial packages, though. Horner is understood to have secured an £80million settlement and retains the option to return to the paddock next year. He’s already held preliminary talks about rejoining the sport with a new team in an ownership capacity.
Marko will also pocket his complete 2026 salary as part of his exit deal, according to German publication Bild. That sum is believed to be around £8.7million. Marko had been with the squad since its formation and chose to step aside after six decades immersed in motorsport.
“I have been involved in motorsport for six decades now, and the past 20-plus years at Red Bull have been an extraordinary and extremely successful journey,” Marko said in a statement.
“It has been a wonderful time that I have been able to help shape and share with so many talented people. Everything we have built and achieved together fills me with pride.
“Narrowly missing out on the world championship this season has moved me deeply and made it clear to me that now is the right moment for me personally to end this very long, intense, and successful chapter.
“I wish the entire team continued success and am convinced that they will be fighting for both world championship titles again next year.”