Horner Praises Verstappen, But Warns No One Is 'Bigger Than Team'

Sunday, 10 March 2024 at 18:00

Red Bull Racing's team principal, Christian Horner, asserted that nobody is bigger than the team amid Verstappen's potential exit rumors.

What is going on in Red Bull, and when will it stop? It seemed like the drama around the team was over at least twice already, but something that stirs up the controversy just keeps popping up.

One of the latest news stories was that Helmut Marko suddenly was under threat of suspension, in which case Max Verstappen could follow him out of the team.

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However, the 80-year-old confirmed after a conversation with Red Bull's managing director, Oliver Mintzlaff, that he will not be leaving in the end. Concerning what the conversation could have been about, Christian Horner told Sky Sports F1:

"Helmut is a consultant to Red Bull GmbH, so whatever the discussion was, was between them and not with the team."

On the one hand, Max Verstappen has played an essential role in the success of the Red Bull Racing F1 team, and Horner recognizes that. On the other hand, the team principal asserted that success is not to be attributed only to the Dutchman and that no one is bigger than the team.

"Max is an important member of our team and is a valued member of our team. He's a wonderful driver, but everybody has a role to play in this team."

"We are a team and no single individual is bigger than the team, and that's the only way that you achieve these kinds of results. Today was Max's 100th podium finish, all of which have been in Red Bull Racing cars, it was his 56th race victory."

Red Bull also reached a big milestone after their 115th victory. This victory raised the team from Milton Keynes above Williams, which recorded 114 victories throughout its history. Horner concluded by pointing towards his team's immense achievement.

"We move ahead of Williams on 114 victories in what's only our 20th year, and this is an incredibly strong team that has strength and depth that is achieving these kinds of results."