Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has reacted to Helmut Marko’s explosive remarks, where he accused the team’s ex-Formula 1 boss Christian Horner of “dirty games”.
Red Bull announced earlier this month that Marko had made the decision to bring the curtain down on an illustrious, two-decade association with the organisation.
The Austrian has since conducted a striking interview, where he claimed that Horner had attempted to oust him prior to the Briton’s own dismissal earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Marko also voiced that Max Verstappen would’ve won the title had Horner been axed earlier, with a turnaround occurring under Laurent Mekies’ watch.
However, Mintzlaff, Red Bull GmbH’s Managing Director, speaking to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, has endeavoured to distance the company from Marko’s comments.
“Those words about Christian are Helmut’s own,” he said. “I can’t say anything negative about Christian. Simply because he meant a lot to Red Bull.
“But there always comes a time when things aren’t going well, and then, as a company, you have to make a decision.
“Are you going to give someone more time, or is it time for a new leader? We felt it was time for a change.
“I disagree with Helmut’s statements. Yes, it’s logical that things change within an organisation. Perhaps Dr Marko has changed over the years as well.”
Mintzlaff took the opportunity to praise the partnership of Horner and Marko, who were largely responsible for turning Red Bull into the frontrunning team it is today.
“I think it’s quite normal that not everything is the same as it was five years ago,” he continued.
“Christian and Helmut have worked together wonderfully for many years, since the start in 2005. So we’re talking about more than 20 years.
“Give me a few examples of other major sports organisations where the leadership team remains the same for so long.
“So you could look at it very negatively that they’re both gone now. But I would say it’s unique that they’ve been here together for so long and have achieved so much.
“Sometimes you just need a change to shake things up.”
READ MORE – Helmut Marko makes stunning Christian Horner accusations over latter years at Red Bull
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