Christian Horner saga 'a very complex matter' as Red Bull insider provides update ahead of Japanese GP

Christian Horner saga 'a very complex matter' as Red Bull insider provides update ahead of Japanese GP

WATCH NOW: Bev Turner reacts to Christian Horner saga

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 02/04/2024

- 08:49

Updated: 02/04/2024

- 08:56

The 50-year-old will be hoping his side can secure a return to winning ways

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has admitted the Christian Horner saga is a 'very complex matter' ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.

However, the 80-year-old insists the team aren't in turmoil despite the ongoing situation.


Horner was cleared of misconduct by Red Bull following allegations made by a female member of staff, something the team principal always denied.

His accuser is, however, appealing the team's decision to clear Horner.

F1 news Christian Horner

F1 news: Christian Horner is currently gearing up for this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix

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The 50-year-old is currently preparing for this weekend's Grand Prix in Japan hoping his side can secure a return to winning ways.

They struggled in Australia last time out, with Max Verstappen unable to finish the race - while Sergio Perez could only finish fifth.

Marko has admitted the Horner situation is 'complex'.

But he's shut down claims Red Bull are in crisis, telling Austria’s Laola1: "I'm flying to Japan.

“For the Thai shareholders, everything is clear. Everything is fine for them. Whether anything else will come or not – no idea.

“It is a very complex matter that is difficult to understand.”

Amid the Horner saga, reports have suggested Marko could leave the team.

The veteran is coy on his future - but insists the team have 'other concerns' rather than himself at the current moment in time.

"Well I would say there are always conversations and discussions. My direct supervisor is Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff…

“Right now we have other concerns than what I’m doing.”

Horner and wife Geri Halliwell have put on a united front ever since the allegations were first made against the Red Bull chief.

The couple enjoyed a nice Easter weekend, with a horse they own winning a point to point and qualifying for Cheltenham in the process.

It is currently unclear if Horner will be joined by his wife for the big event in East Asia this weekend, however

Geri backed her husband by attending the first two races of the season in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia respectively.

But she doesn't attend every race and it's not known if she plans on jetting out to Japan.

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F1 news: Helmut Marko has opened up on Christian Horner ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix

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Meanwhile, former F1 star Christijan Albers has warned Horner that the Red Bull saga 'could continue throughout the year'.

Speaking to De Telegraaf, he said: “That is also still not over and that will continue throughout the year as well.

"Only they will have agreed more with each other to make that less noticeable.

“They have noticed that if they address their confidants all in the paddock, it still secretly becomes a mess anyway because everyone is chattering anyway and you see how that works in the Formula 1 world.

“It’s just a piranha world and we have a few sharks swimming in between.”

F1 news Christian Horner Geri Halliwell

F1 news: Christian Horner could be joined by wife Geri Halliwell for the Japanese Grand Prix

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Verstappen will be confident of winning the Japanese Grand Prix.

The 26-year-old has won the race in each of the past two years.

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