Red Bull and Verstappen eye championship fight despite Horner's departure
Helmut Marko Confirms Red Bull's Title Ambitions After Leadership Shake-Up
Red Bull Racing is far from waving the white flag in the Formula 1 title battle, even after the sudden departure of longtime team principal Christian Horner. Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has vowed to stay in the fight for the drivers' championship with Max Verstappen until it's mathematically impossible, maintaining confidence despite Verstappen’s uphill climb and the shake-up in leadership.
The announcement comes during a transitional phase for Red Bull, following Horner’s unexpected exit after two decades at the helm. With Laurent Mekies now stepping in as the new team principal, the team faces mounting pressure to turn around a lackluster season while navigating a chaotic leadership change.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Marko dismissed speculation that the Horner-Mekies shake-up signals a shift in focus toward the 2026 regulations. Instead, he insisted the championship fight remains front and center.
"Christian and I have worked together very successfully for over 20 years—both in Formula 1 and in Formula 3000. I would like to sincerely thank Christian for that," Marko said in comments released by the team.
"During this time, we were able to celebrate an incredible number of outstanding achievements. We helped develop two World Drivers' Champions and several Grand Prix winners. That has always been—and still is—the Red Bull way.
"As for the current sporting situation: there are still twelve races to go, and we will continue to fight for the drivers' championship as long as it's mathematically possible."
Max Verstappen's Uphill Battle
The pledge comes despite Verstappen, currently sitting third in the drivers' standings, trailing leader Lando Norris by 69 points. Though Verstappen himself has expressed skepticism about his chances to retain his title, Marko’s tone suggests that Red Bull isn’t ready to concede just yet.
Laurent Mekies Takes Charge
While Marko and Verstappen keep their sights on the championship, Laurent Mekies has his work cut out for him in his debut as Red Bull’s team principal. Tasked with rejuvenating a squad that has struggled for consistency this season, Mekies is stepping into one of the most high-pressure environments in Formula 1.
Speaking on his first full day in charge, Mekies was quick to praise the team’s talent and laid out his vision for the road ahead.
"I look at this team as most outsiders look at them—we see the very best people in the world at what they do," Mekies said. "That's what this team is. Even from being a competitor previously, you look at Red Bull Racing as being the sharpest team, having managed to accumulate the best talent to work together."
"It is a privilege to join the team and the focus will be on making sure all the talented people here have what they need to perform at their best because they are already the very best.
"We are not underestimating the challenge ahead. We will need everybody, and we will go about it together. I am sure that with everyone's contributions, we will tackle this challenge."
Constructors' Title on the Back Burner
Interestingly, no mention was made Thursday of the constructors' championship, where Red Bull trails McLaren by a significant margin. Given the team’s current struggles, the drivers' title may now be their sole focus as Verstappen remains their best hope for late-season glory.
The Road Ahead
With twelve races remaining on the calendar, Mekies’ leadership and Verstappen’s driving will be tested as the team looks to salvage pride and podium finishes in a turbulent campaign. Red Bull, a squad known for its resilience, has made it clear that the fight is far from over. Whether they can claw their way back into contention or shift their sights to long-term goals remains the story worth watching in the weeks ahead.
Up Next
