Christian Horner ‘believes he can win WITHOUT Max Verstappen’, Red Bull insiders claim ‘after the F1 champion threatened to quit’ if his mentor Helmut Marko is suspended for ‘leaking evidence’

Christian Horner believes he can win without Max Verstappen, amid talk of the Dutchman leaving Red Bull.

Horner has been at the center of a storm engulfing the sport after being cleared of misconduct by an independent investigation convened by his team’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH.

Less than 24 hours after the decision was publicly communicated last week – and at the start of the season’s first race weekend in Bahrain – a tranche of leaked texts and images that Horner had allegedly sent to the employee were circulated. involved. key figures within Formula One.

Helmut Marko is now said to be subject to an investigation by Red Bull in relation to media leaks that have taken place since the Horner texting scandal broke and could face suspension or dismissal.

As a result, Verstappen has threatened to leave Red Bull if his mentor Marko is forced out.

Horner now faces a decision between keeping Marko to satisfy Verstappen or risk losing his big asset.

However, as reported by German Outlet Auto Motor Sportbelieves he can continue winning without Verstappen, technical director Adrian Newey and Ford.

The report claims that the 50-year-old believes he is the architect of the success that has seen Red Bull win three consecutive championships.

Verstappen, Red Bull’s main asset, will not tolerate Marko leaving, raising the possibility of a move to Mercedes.

The triple world champion said: ‘If such an important pillar falls, it is not good for my situation and I have told the team that. He is an important part of my decision making for the future.

“For me, Helmut has to stay. I have a lot of respect for him and what we have achieved together. He goes very far.

“He formed this team with Dietrich (Mateschitz, the late founder of the energy drink company).”

Once again, Verstappen made no reference to Horner, who last week was hit by leaked WhatsApp messages that allegedly revealed sexually suggestive exchanges with his colleague.

Meanwhile, Marko told Austrian broadcaster ORF that there was a possibility he would not be at the next race in Australia on March 24.

The 80-year-old said cryptically that there is even a “possibility” he will be suspended on Monday. Another rumor says he will be fired.