Christian Horner joined Red Bull as team principal in 2005, when the energy drinks giant entered Formula 1 with his team, where he would later win five drivers ‘and four constructors’ titles. The last world championship came a few weeks ago thanks to Max Verstappen, who beat Lewis Hamilton in the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.
After winning the race, Verstappen said he wanted to stay with Red Bull for the next ten or fifteen years, and Helmut Marko wanted to open talks with the Dutch driver’s management to talk about an early contract extension.
It therefore appears that Red Bull is trying to keep its base team together, from the moment it emerged that Horner has already signed an extension of his contract and will continue to fill the role of team principal at least until the end of the next generation of power. units that will be introduced in 2026.
Speaking with ServusTV in an interview with Verstappen, Marko stated that the collaboration established with Horner works very well and that Red Bull has moved to extend the contract even before Verstappen’s.
“Christian is the team principal, he is more in sight while I am more behind the scenes – said Marko – But we coordinate quite well, we set the direction of the team and our staff. In the political sphere, we generally have the same language and I believe our success confirms this ”.
Marlo goes on to talk about how much faith he has in Horner: “Initially Dietrich Mateschitz, Red Bull owner, said ‘Christian who?’, Because he had no experience in Formula 1. But I knew him from Formula 3000 and other minor categories, I was aware of his ambitions and abilities. Now he has developed them into something great. He is a charismatic leader who entered the contract extension process even before Verstappen. The whole team, or at least the leaders, wants stability for the transition years to come, when the new rules on the engine and chassis are introduced, so we will have a solid team ready to work on this ”.
Red Bull sources confirmed to Motorsport.com that Horner’s contract extension has already been signed and his will be a long-term commitment. The next big contract to renew will be Verstappen’s, which is due to expire at the end of the 2023 season. When asked for an answer to Max’s claim that he wants to stay at Red Bull for the next 10 or 15 years, Marko said : “His words have not yet reached his management. We are discussing it at the moment ”.
Verstappen also added that he is very happy where he is now and hopes to be able to continue with the team for another 10 or 15 years. He also glossed over the fact that Lewis Hamilton’s contract with Mercedes expires at the end of 2023: “I honestly don’t care what happens on the other side.”
#Horner #ready #renew #Red #Bull
