Red Bull announced on Wednesday that it had fired Christian Horner from his post as team principal after twenty years of service. Horner had been team principal of Red Bull Racing F1 ever since 2005, steering it through the dominant periods of the 2010s and 2020s. Sources at Red Bull say tensions within the team have risen this year. Poor on-track results and uncertainty about Max Verstappen’s future fueled that tension. Sources also described meetings during the Austrian and British Grands Prix weekends. One meeting included Verstappen and Oliver Mintzlaff, who has pushed for leadership changes.
Horner last month denied claims that he was talking to Ferrari boss John Elkann regarding taking over Fred Vasseur’s position.He seemed secure while holding support from Red Bull’s majority shareholder, Chalerm Yoovidhya. Insiders disclosed that permission from Yoovidhya was necessary to dismiss Horner. That situation appears to have shifted recently. This decision came upon the heels of an internal sexual misconduct investigation on Horner-the claims only deepening political divisions after Mateschitz had died in 2022.
What’s next for Verstappen and Red Bull?
Verstappen feels unsettled by Red Bull’s internal conflicts. He prefers working in a calm, harmonious environment. His father, Jos, had a tense relationship with Horner. Jos warned the team would collapse if Horner stayed. Red Bull lost two senior figures in the past 15 months.
Adrian Newey, F1’s greatest designer, resigned last year. He cited Horner’s conduct and frustration over credit disputes as reasons. Amid strained relations, Newey was downplayed in the media briefings by Horner. Meanwhile, sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, who had long served, departed at the conclusion of last season and is now team principal at Sauber. Horner tried to enforce Courtenay’s contract to delay his move.
Who will replace Christian Horner?
Horner’s job was in jeopardy earlier this year. Mattia Binotto and Oliver Oakes were rumored replacements for the role. Binotto now leads Sauber, who have just had a good result. Nico Hulkenberg brought his Sauber car onto the podium at Silverstone, with Red Bull having confirmed Laurent Mekies as their new Team Leader. Alan Permane replaces Mekies at VCARB.
What have Red Bull said?
Director Mintzlaff thanked Christian Horner for 20 years of great work. With regard to Edwin Horner, he spoke in terms of dedication, determination, and creative leadership. According to Mintzlaff, Horner was the one who actually made Red Bull Racing into something successful and sexy.
Christian Horner shared a major update on Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull.
Red Bull’s recent decline makes a fifth title unlikely this year. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris lead the standings by just eight points. He needs a dramatic Red Bull resurgence or a McLaren decline to stay in contention. Ferrari sits in second with less than half that total.
The next rules cycle will begin next season with new engine regulations. Engines will feature increased electrical power for half of overall output. Red Bull currently uses Honda engines, their supplier since 2019.
Christian Horner has given a major update on Max Verstappen’s Red Bull future.
He says one scenario would be “embarrassing” if it happens. Verstappen became a legend after winning four in a row with Red Bull. Red Bull are not winning enough to win the title this year. McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are now leading the way. They are only eight points apart. That’s nearly three full race wins in points. Verstappen will miss out on the title this year unless Red Bull have a big comeback or McLaren implode.
Christian Horner linked to shock Red Bull exit.
He could join another F1 team. His drivers won over 120 Grands Prix under his leadership. Despite all that success, new reports say he’s leaving Red Bull. He could join one of Red Bull’s biggest rivals. German media asked Ferrari about Horner’s availability. Ferrari want him to replace Fred Vasseur. Bild say Ferrari made an approach recently. After Ferrari’s poor start despite having a strong driver line up.
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