Pink Bull advisor Helmut Marko says Christian Horner’s sacking was “the result of various factors” however {that a} lack of efficiency on observe was the primary cause for his dismissal.
Honer was relieved of his twin roles as workforce principal and chief government earlier in July after greater than 20 years on the helm of one in all F1’s main groups, following a turbulent finish to his tenure.
After a dominant spell that noticed Max Verstappen win 4 successive drivers’ titles from 2021-2024, Pink Bull have suffered a drop off in kind that coincided with a number of key figures – together with legendary designer Adrian Newey – leaving the workforce.
Horner additionally confronted allegations of inappropriate behaviour made towards him in February 2024 by a feminine colleague. Having denied the accusations all through, he was cleared of the claims by an inside investigation carried out by a lawyer, after which by one other lawyer following an enchantment from the complainant.
Chatting with Sky Germany forward of the Belgian Grand Prix, Pink Bull’s first race with out Horner, Marko mentioned: “The choice was made by the administration – that’s, (Pink Bull head of sporting tasks) Oliver Mintzlaff.
“We knowledgeable Christian Horner of it in London. On the similar time, we formally thanked him for 20 years and eight world titles.
“It was the result of various factors. But primarily, performance was not quite where it should be.”
Mekies’ technical experience will present ‘benefit’
Horner was changed by Laurent Mekies, who was promoted from working Pink Bull’s junior squad, Racing Bulls.
Mekies tenure begins with Pink Bull looking for to shut the hole on McLaren, who continued their dominance of the 2025 season with a one-two in Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix.
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Sky Sports activities F1’s Martin Brundle and Naomi Schiff talk about the departure of former Pink Bull Staff Principal Christian Horner.
Marko mentioned: “Luckily, we were able to bring in Laurent Mekies from within the Red Bull family. His role will be significantly more focused – primarily on racing.
“He is a wonderful engineer, which is an efficient match contemplating the advanced know-how in Method 1.
“We’ve already seen that he communicates very well with the staff. We’re hopeful that we can gradually return to the top.”
Mekies appointment follows a pattern of people with an engineering background being employed as workforce principals, with Andrea Stella at McLaren the shining instance.
Marko says he believes the technical expertise of Mekies can present an “advantage” for Pink Bull as he takes on a streamlined model of Horner’s function.
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New Pink Bull Staff Principal Laurent Mekies insists Max Verstappen’s ‘full focus’ is getting the perfect out of their automobile, amid hypothesis the Dutchman might go away the workforce after this season.
He mentioned: “I believe that’s definitely an advantage. Other teams have gone this route before us.
“Additionally, the scope of the function has been clearly lowered. The corporate has 2,000 workers. Mekies will primarily concentrate on the technical aspect and racing.
“Marketing, the RB17 project, or Powertrains are each handled by separate departments. So, he can dedicate his full energy to racing success.”
Jos Verstappen ‘positive’ with Horner sacking
There was hypothesis following Horner’s sacking that the choice had been made as a result of the workforce’s bosses believed it could improve their possibilities of protecting Verstappen amid hypothesis linking him with a transfer to Mercedes.
Verstappen mentioned in Belgium that he retained a robust relationship with Horner and had merely accepted a choice that got here from above.
His ex-race father, Jos Verstappen, had referred to as for Horner to go away the workforce in March 2024, shortly after the misconduct allegations had been made towards the Brit.
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Max Verstappen’s father Jos Verstappen insists he is ‘positive’ with Christian Horner’s departure from Pink Bull.
Nonetheless, chatting with Sky Sports activities F1’s Martin Brundle and Nico Rosberg on the grid in Spa on Sunday, Verstappen appeared to disclaim having had any involvement with the choice.
He mentioned: “They decided to change. I’m fine with everything.”
Verstappen was then reminded by Rosberg of his requires Horner’s exit, to which he replied: “That was one and a half year ago. It’s different. I have nothing to say. It’s fine.”
Requested if he was now quiet, following the choice, he added: “I’m always quiet.”
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