Surprise in Formula 1: Christian Horner removed from Red Bull
The Formula 1 world was shaken by unexpected news: the dismissal of Christian Horner as team principal of Red Bull. A move that, although surprising, seemed inevitable given the team’s current situation. An unprecedented moment in the history of the team. Since his debut in 2005, Horner was the undisputed leader, leading Red Bull to the top with 124 race victories, six constructors’ championships, and eight drivers’ championships. He built an empire in Formula 1, leaving an indelible legacy. The news took even Red Bull employees by surprise, who found out shortly before it was made public. Despite appearing calm in the previous days, Horner’s position seemed like a time bomb, whose explosion caught the team and the world of F1 off guard.Red Bull’s decision could be interpreted as a bet to keep Max Verstappen in the team, given the rumors of a possible move to Mercedes. A declaration of intent for the world champion to continue adding titles. However, several factors combined to force Horner’s departure. In 2024, Horner survived a personal scandal after being investigated for inappropriate behavior. Although he was exonerated, the scandal generated internal divisions, especially with Jos Verstappen, Max’s father. Before the start of last season, Jos Verstappen warned that Red Bull ran the risk of “falling apart” under Horner’s leadership. Sources close to the situation indicated that Jos and Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko were concerned about the power Horner had accumulated after the death of Dietrich Mateschitz, founder of the energy drink brand.It’s one of the most important news in F1.
David Croft
However, internal tensions were not enough to remove Horner.
Until mid-2024, Red Bull had dominated the competition, but increasing difficulties on the track, along with internal tensions, led the team to make the decision for a radical change. The departure of Adrian Newey, the F1 designer, and Jonathan Wheatley, sporting director, also impacted the team. The departure of key figures has left a void that the team seems to be struggling to fill.
Despite Horner’s insistence that the team had the ability to overcome the situation, the problems on the track worsened. Sergio Pérez, Horner’s ally, left the team at the end of a disappointing season. His replacement, Liam Lawson, only lasted two races before being replaced by Yuki Tsunoda, who failed to improve performance.
Of Red Bull’s 210 championship points this season, Verstappen scored 203. The inability of teammates to match Verstappen’s pace has confirmed the driver’s criticisms of the cars’ performance. Verstappen has defended Pérez, Lawson, and Tsunoda, showing frustration with the available machinery. Verstappen has avoided commenting on Horner’s situation. However, sources confirm that he has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave the team if he is not in the top three of the drivers’ championship after the Hungarian Grand Prix on August 3rd. In a press conference, Horner suggested that Red Bull should prepare for life without its star, indicating the possibility of Verstappen leaving the team. Horner’s departure could be key to convincing Verstappen to stay, especially at a time when Red Bull expects underperformance in 2026.
