Red Bull team principal Christian Horner will remain in charge of the team until at least the end of 2026 after agreeing a new contract.
Horner has led the team since its arrival into Formula 1 in 2005, and has overseen nine world championships – five drivers’ titles and four constructors’ crowns.
Senior Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko praised Horner in a joint interview with new world champion Max Verstappen, and said he is happy with his working relationship with the 48-year-old.
“Christian is the team principal, he is in the public eye and I am more in the background,” Dr Marko said.
Marko also affirms that he and Horner have the same stance on the direction of the team, and that this has been a factor to their success over the years.
“But we coordinate things quite well, we set the direction of the team, and also of our staff. In political issues we usually speak the same language, and I believe our success proves us right.”
READ: Max Verstappen could dominate F1 for years to come
Having initially struggled to get Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz on board with the deal to sign the former racing driver as team principal 16 years ago, Dr Marko said he is pleased that his decision was vindicated.
“[Red Bull owner] Dietrich Mateschitz said, ‘Christian who?’ in the beginning as Christian had zero experience in Formula 1.
“But I already knew him from Formula 3000 and other junior categories and I knew about his ambitions and skills. Now that has developed into something great.
“He is a charismatic team boss who, by the way – even before you [Verstappen] – was in the process of extending his contract until 2026.”
The 78-year-old sees this as an important extension with the new regulations coming into play in 2022.
“Within the whole team, or at least the top positions, we want to have stability for the transition years coming up, when the new engine regulations come in and when the new chassis regulations come in, so that we have a solid team for that.”
Verstappen’s contract runs out in two years’ time, and the Dutchman is keen to sign on the dotted line.
“[I’m] very happy where I am right now, and I do hope we can do this together for another 10 or 15 years,” said Verstappen.
Follow us on Google News to never miss an F1 story