Christian Horner and Helmut Marko hold ‘uneasy’ talks as FIA dragged into Red Bull saga | F1 | Sport

Christian Horner and Helmut Marko have taken the first step towards an ‘uneasy truce’ amid the ongoing internal troubles at Red Bull, according to reports. The reigning champions have endured a rocky start to the new season behind the scenes despite winning both of the opening two races.

Red Bull gained plenty of unwanted attention when Horner was accused of inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague just weeks before the start of the campaign. The 50-year-old was later cleared of any wrongdoing after a lengthy Red Bull investigation but the FIA have since received a formal complaint from the colleague in question.

Marko was then dragged into the saga when he was accused of leaking evidence of Horner’s alleged behaviour, prompting suggestions that he could be relieved of his duties by Red Bull. He later denied any involvement and said that he would not be dismissed after holding a meeting with Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff.

Horner and Marko moved to ease the tension between them by holding peace talks in a bid to unite the team, according to The Mirror. It is said that discussions took place earlier this week between the two Red Bull figures, who are reportedly desperate to prevent their internal battle from affecting on-track performances.

The pair are understood to have agreed to a ‘public ceasefire’ in an attempt to steer clear of any more unwanted media attention. They have a common interest to unite behind in spite of their differences, with Red Bull aiming to defend their Constructors’ Championship title and Max Verstappen hunting a fourth individual crown in as many years.

It comes a week after Verstappen hinted that he might leave Red Bull if Marko was given his marching orders, with the Dutchman not shying away from making a public declaration of support for the 80-year-old.

Quizzed on the prospect of Marko leaving the team, Verstappen replied: « If such an important pillar falls away, it is not good for my situation and I have told the team that. He is an important part in 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. It goes very far. »

It remains to be seen if the private tensions at Red Bull will risk derailing their campaign, with no sign that Horner or Marko are set to leave the team as things stand. Their on-track results so far have been nothing short of perfection, the Austrian outfit having claimed successive one-two finishes in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.