Helmut Marko says Max Verstappen lost the 2025 title because Christian Horner stayed in charge too long, highlighting Red Bull turmoil. Betting angle: if the team stabilises under new leadership, expect Verstappen’s odds to shorten in early-season markets; conversely, futures on team changes or internal disruption could see increased volatility for savvy punters.
Marko: Verstappen would have won 2025 if Horner had left earlier
Helmut Marko, departing Red Bull motorsport advisor, says Max Verstappen would have clinched the 2025 drivers' championship if Christian Horner had been removed sooner. Red Bull endured a turbulent season that included Horner’s dismissal in July and Verstappen narrowly missing the title by two points. Marko framed the move as a performance-driven necessity rather than a personal vendetta.
Timing, performance and the cost of delay
Marko argued that on-track form dipped during the period in question and that earlier action from the team would have restored momentum in time to secure the championship for Verstappen. "If we had done it earlier, we would have got things back on track sooner and Max Verstappen would have been world champion this year," he said, adding he was "absolutely convinced" of that outcome.
Power shifts after a co-owner’s death
Marko described a shift in internal dynamics after the death of Red Bull’s co-owner in 2022, accusing Horner of consolidating influence by building ties with another co-owner. He said he acted to counterbalance that move on behalf of the company’s Austrian leadership, recalling events that signalled a changing balance of power within the team.
Allegations of internal sabotage and fabricated claims
Marko claimed the final years alongside Horner were marred by "dirty games" and alleged fabricated stories aimed at undermining him. He denied circulating claims that the team’s engine programme was behind schedule or that he made derogatory remarks about drivers’ focus based on nationality. Marko also suggested such narratives were used to try to suspend him, a move he says was blocked by Verstappen’s support.
Departure, reaction and final decision
When Red Bull announced Marko’s exit at the end of 2025, he said missing the title affected him deeply and confirmed the decision to step down crystallised during the season’s final races, beginning to take shape in Qatar and finalised before the Abu Dhabi finale. He also dismissed the team’s press statement about his departure as "nonsense."
Betting implications and market outlook
Internal instability at a dominant team like Red Bull can shift market perceptions quickly. If the team visibly stabilises under new leadership, bookmakers are likely to shorten Verstappen’s odds in early-season and outright markets. Conversely, lingering reports of internal division could create value in markets that expect reduced Red Bull performance, and increased liquidity in props tied to team personnel or reliability issues. Punters should monitor official statements, preseason testing results and team announcements before placing futures or season-long bets.
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Departing Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko believes Max Verstappen would have won the 2025 world championship had former team principal Christian Horner left the team earlier in the season.
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