# Marko defends Verstappen signing claim

> Helmut Marko calls Christian Horner's Max Verstappen story 'absolute lie'.
- Title: Marko defends Verstappen signing claim · Motorsport | Shortify
- Summary: Helmut Marko calls Christian Horner's Max Verstappen story 'absolute lie'. Helmut Marko supports Ralf Schumacher's claim that Christian Horner's book about…
- Keywords: helmut marko, ralf schumacher, christian horner, max verstappen, red bull racing, formula 1, drive book, verstappen signing, sports, cars, Marko, defends
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/f1/news/marko-backs-ralf-schumachers-absolute-lie-response-to-christian-horners-claim/10862687
- Published: 2026-10-07T11:31:30+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: helmut marko, ralf schumacher, christian horner, max verstappen, red bull racing, formula 1, drive book, verstappen signing, sports, cars
## Marko responds to Horner
Helmut Marko calls Christian Horner's claim about Max Verstappen's signing an absolute lie.

> An absolute lie
## Schumacher defends Marko
Ralf Schumacher says Marko approached Max Verstappen when he was 11.5 years old.

> Marko approached Max when he was just 11 and a half years old
## Marko explains timing
Marko says Verstappen's karting success came later, not during early karting days.

> It worked out well the way it did. Max was successful in karting back then
## Marko claims Horner blocked promotion
Marko says Christian Horner tried to block Verstappen's 2016 promotion to Red Bull squad.

> I brought Max into Formula 1 and had to beat Horner in his first race for Red Bull in Barcelona
## Horner's book release
Christian Horner's book Drive releases October 22, 2026, claiming Marko didn't want Verstappen.

> Christian Horner's upcoming autobiography Drive is already causing massive shockwaves
## Key takeaway

Helmut Marko supports Ralf Schumacher's claim that Christian Horner's book about Max Verstappen's signing is an absolute lie.