Helmut Marko said something in Red Bull speech after Christian Horner exit that ‘went down like a lead balloon’

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Helmut Marko may now become even more powerful at Red Bull following the sacking of Christian Horner. Marko’s job title – motorsport advisor – won’t change, but his internal rivalry with the former team principal is at an end.

Marko is effectively the conduit between Red Bull’s Austrian ownership and the Formula 1 team. He’s also overseen the hugely successful driver academy.

There has been some talk that Sebastian Vettel could succeed Marko, who’s now 82 years old. But this transition now appears unlikely, at least in the short-term.

After Horner followed Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley and Rob Marshall out of the door (albeit involuntarily), Marko is one of the only remaining members of Red Bull’s core. His leadership skills will be tested as a new era begins for the team at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Helmut Marko called for Red Bull staff to all work ‘10% harder’

It’s been reported that Marko stayed away from Horner’s farewell speech earlier this month. He remained in the nearby Racing Bulls factory, perhaps aware that his presence would be a distraction.

But, along with new boss Laurent Mekies, he will be one of those tasked with reunifying the team. Some Red Bull staff are unhappy with how Horner was treated, specifically the ‘dismissive’ handling of his departure.

In one team address, Marko tried to rally the team by telling each individual to work ‘10% harder’, according to The Race. Red Bull enter the second half of the season on course for their worst constructors’ performance in 10 years (they were also fourth in 2015).

It’s said that Marko’s message went down like ‘a lead balloon’. This highlights the lingering ‘unease on the factory floor’.

Could Christian Horner take big names with him to another F1 team?

Horner is in line for a £110m pay-off because he still had five years left on his contract. That indicates the esteem in which he was held before recent crises.

One Italian outlet claims Horner is already in talks with Cadillac as he starts to assess his options to return to Formula 1. It’s unlikely that he makes a quick decision.

But Red Bull are afraid that Horner could spark an exodus if he joins a rival team. He’s clearly built a strong bond with many colleagues, and that could help him poach some talent from Milton Keynes.

Red Bull want to re-establish their Austrian identity now that Horner is gone. He lost support not only with Oliver Mintzlaff and co., but also the Thai shareholders.