Helmut Marko has accused Christian Horner of a crass move with the release date of his new memoir, 'Drive', calling it 'an embarrassment'. The former Red Bull Racing adviser took issue with the book being published on the fourth anniversary of the death of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz.
Horner's memoir, released on Thursday, has been heavily promoted, with the former Red Bull Formula One team principal and chief executive giving a series of interviews and sending advance copies to publications, including Express Sport. The 306-page book contains criticism of Marko, who served alongside Horner for more than 20 years as an adviser.
Marko's Response to Allegations
Their relationship soured towards the end of their time at Red Bull. Horner left first, relieved of his duties in July last year, while Marko departed at the end of the season, with Laurent Mekies now in charge and answering to the company's Austria-based leadership.
Marko is portrayed in the book as a scapegoat for various issues over the years. Accusations range from insensitively telling David Coulthard he had lost his seat to mistreating Red Bull's young drivers and allegedly leaking confidential information. The most stinging criticism is the claim that Marko did not reach out when Horner's ex-wife, Beverly, died last summer after a cancer battle.
Speaking to Austrian outlet Krone, Marko responded directly only to that latter accusation, describing the rest of the claims as "a collection of untruths of such a low calibre that I won't address them". He added: "I only want to correct one claim: That I did indeed offer my condolences after the death of his ex-partner Beverly." The report states that Marko showed the journalist a message on his mobile phone to prove he did reach out to Horner at that time.
Release Date Controversy
Besides the claims made against him, Marko was riled by the book's release date. Published on October 22, the memoir was released on the fourth anniversary of Mateschitz's death. Marko said: "The fact that the book is being published on the very day Dietrich Mateschitz died is an embarrassment."
While Marko faces criticism throughout the book, the memoir is largely a tribute to Horner's wife, Geri Halliwell, who supported him through allegations of inappropriate behaviour levelled against him in early 2024. Horner said the strength of their marriage was "never in doubt" even at the height of the media scrutiny, and wrote that she told him to "just tell your truth".
Personal Reflections in the Memoir
Horner added: "Her resilience was remarkable. Our lives had been turned upside down, yet she found the strength and conviction to support me through an immensely difficult period, one that was undoubtedly challenging for her as well. Her belief in me gave me the determination to move forward."
He rounds off the book with messages to his wife and children, writing: "To my wonderful children, Bluebell, Olivia and Monty, thank you for keeping me grounded and for putting up with all the time I have spent away from home. You are my greatest achievement and my greatest source of pride."
