Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, has promised to keep pushing for the Formula 1 title until it is mathematically impossible for Max Verstappen to win, even after Christian Horner was let go as team principal.
This statement marks the team’s ambition following Horner’s 20-year leadership and the appointment of Laurent Mekies. On Thursday, Marko rejected any ideas that this change signals a shift in focus towards 2026.
“Christian and I have had a successful partnership for over 20 years in both Formula 1 and Formula 3000. I truly want to thank Christian for that,” Marko stated in comments shared by the team.
“During our time together, we celebrated many incredible achievements. We developed two World Drivers’ Champions and several Grand Prix winners. This has always been — and continues to be — the Red Bull approach.
“As for our current situation: there are still twelve races left, and we will keep fighting for the drivers’ championship as long as it remains mathematically possible.”
This comes after Verstappen, who is currently third in the standings and 69 points behind the leader, expressed doubts about his chances of defending his title. Last month, Marko told Austrian TV that the team might have to “give up” on the title if things don’t get better.
On Thursday, there was no discussion about the constructors’ standings, where Red Bull is significantly trailing behind McLaren.
Turning around a disappointing season is just one of the many urgent tasks facing Mekies on his first full day as Red Bull’s new team principal.
“I view this team much like others do from the outside; we see some of the best people in the world at what they do,” Mekies stated on Thursday.
“This team truly represents that. Even when I was a competitor, I saw Red Bull Racing as the sharpest team, bringing together top talent to work seamlessly.”
“It’s an honor to join this team, and my focus will be on ensuring that all these talented individuals have everything they need to excel because they are already outstanding.”
“We’re not underestimating the challenges ahead. We’ll need everyone involved, and we’ll face it together. I’m confident that with everyone’s efforts, we can overcome this challenge.”
