20 October 2023 , 06:55
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Max Verstappen has played down "bulls***" rumours of a rift between Red Bull duo Christian Horner and Helmut Marko - and claimed the mood in the team is "very, very good".
Varying reports from a Brazilian newspaper claimed that Horner is trying to phase Marko out of the limelight at Red Bull after the latter made derogatory comments about Sergio Perez earlier in the season. Marko and Horner have both since denied the allegations.
Speaking to Austrian news outlet OE24, Marko said: "There is no summit, I have a contract until the end of next year. When and how I stop, when it is over, I decide, and not, for example, Mr Horner."
Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with Mirror Sport, Horner admitted: "We've always enjoyed a very strong and open relationship. Of course, there are things that we disagree on now and again, but I think that's healthy.
"We speak very regularly about all aspects. For Helmut, it's slightly different to how it used to be since the passing of his friend and colleague Dietrich, but he still has a very valuable role that he plays within the team and there is absolutely no intent or desire from me, or anyone within the team, to see that change.
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"For as long as he wants to continue – he's still a very spritely 80-year-old – I don't see any change in the way that we work. Now Verstappen has weighed in on the rumours and agreed with Horner and Marko, admitting that they are false.
"From the outside, people are basically trying to talk BS," the Dutchman explained ahead of the United States Grand Prix. "The mood in the team is very good and everyone knows exactly what their role is and of course, it was sad times last year when Dietrich passed away.
Max Verstappen has spoken about the rumours of a rift in the Red Bull camp (Getty Images)"But we have tried to keep that legacy, keep it moving forward and everyone that we have right now in the team is important to the success that we are having. That is why there are no changes for the future, and I think that basically explains it."
The passing of Dietrich Mateschitz shocked the Red Bull team, but Horner doesn't believe they have changed the way they work and prepare for racing. "How we work is just the same, nothing has changed on the day-to-day basis of how we go racing," Horner added.
"The group is evolving without its leader but the company is in great health, great shape. We're on course for another record year this year. Life goes on and we continue to operate with the values that Dietrich embodied and instilled within the team.
"What we've achieved is arguably our most successful year ever which is a culmination of what has been happening across all 22 departments in the business. They all have to be working in harmony, otherwise you can never achieve the sort of results that we have. And, of course, we've got an outstanding driver [Verstappen] who is an incredible talent."