Helmut Marko claims that Max Verstappen would have won the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship if Christian Horner had been dismissed from Red Bull earlier in the season.
Marko argues that when Horner finally left mid-season, the team’s performance improved, helping Verstappen close the gap, but by then it was too late to secure the title.
Marko believes that acting sooner would have “turned things around faster” and allowed Verstappen to clinch a fifth consecutive championship.
Marko also criticized internal team issues during Horner’s tenure, saying performance suffered and controversial tactics were used.
Verstappen eventually finished the season just behind the champion after Horner’s departure and a strong late run.