Marko notices 'totally different atmosphere' at Red Bull now that Horner is gone

08:33, 04 Sep

Updated: 09:11, 04 Sep

byEstéban den Toom

Helmut Marko notes that the atmosphere at Red Bull is currently different than under Christian Horner. The Austrian was also asked about a collaboration between Isack Hadjar and Laurent Mekies.

Hadjar is currently a hot topic in Formula 1 following his stellar performance at the Dutch Grand Prix.

The Racing Bulls driver, after securing an impressive fourth place in qualifying, managed his position smoothly during the race, fending off Charles Leclerc’s attacks from behind for over half the distance.

Then, with Norris retiring in the closing laps, the Frenchman seized the opportunity to claim his first career podium, bringing the Faenza-based team back to the rostrum.

The Frenchman is emerging as a contender to join Max Verstappen at Red Bull next year. Jacques Villeneuve even suggested after the Zandvoort weekend that Hadjar would be racing for Red Bull in 2026. Marko was also asked about a potential partnership between Mekies and Hadjar.

Christian Horner, Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko

Marko on Horner and the atmosphere at Red Bull

Marko stated that there is a totally different atmosphere in the Red Bull team now, than under Horner: “Mekies is a top technician, which, with the complexity of the current Formula 1, is a huge advantage. He gets along well with people, there is a totally different atmosphere than before'', the 82-year-old advisor to Red Bull Racing told Oe24.

Before his departure, Horner warned that Red Bull might struggle to compete for wins at the start of the new regulations era.

Marko was also asked about these statements by the Englishman, as he still holds out good hope: “If you look at the experience of our competitors, that's true. But I say: we shall see. The subject is so complex that under the new regulations everything is possible.''

''There will be huge surprises, both positive and negative. I choose to think positively for now.”