Former Red Bull Racing CEO and team principal Christian Horner has responded to his sudden ousting from the team. Horner served the outfit for 20 years since 2005, and was said to have a contract lasting until 2030.
His exit has raised several questions, especially with regard to Max Verstappen’s future with Red Bull amid alleged talks with Mercedes, and about the progress of Red Bull’s 2026 power unit being developed by Red Bull Powertrains.
Former Formula One driver and Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle opened up about Horner’s exit, revealing how it came out of nowhere. He said:
“It is not completely out of the blue, given the problems in the team. I’m quite sad about it. I consider Christian a friend and he’s done an incredible job for 20 years.
“He’s won an awful lot of races and world championships for drivers and the team. He took it from what was the Stewart team and Jaguar struggling, into a massive campus in Milton Keynes and [had] an awful lot of success and a huge trophy cabinet.
“It’s not too difficult to feel in the F1 paddock and to observe and hear that things were not particularly rosy.
“[The allegations and investigation] are probably part of it but I believe it’s performance-related as well. It perhaps makes it more likely that the Verstappens will stay there – I think that became quite personal.
“There are a number of aspects but particularly that the car is struggling, although they have won races brilliantly this year.”
Horner revealed to Brundle that Red Bull did not mention a reason for his ousting. Revealing his conversation with Horner, Brundle said:
“Christian has told me no reason was given to him as to why he’s been released. Nothing is forever. Things move on.
“Red Bull have already put in place significant changes with Laurent Mekies coming over from Racing Bulls – their sister team – and Alan Permane will take over the reins there, so they have quickly put into place solutions.”
Red Bull released a statement announcing Horner’s exit. It read:
“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.
“With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.
“Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”
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