Red Bull’s gamble: choosing Verstappen over Horner
Christian Horner Dismissed as Red Bull Team Principal in Stunning F1 Shake-Up
Red Bull Racing shocked the Formula 1 world on Wednesday with the sudden dismissal of team principal Christian Horner, a decision as surprising as it was foreseeable. Horner’s departure marks the end of an era for the team he led since its 2005 debut, overseeing 124 race wins, six Constructors' Championships, and eight Drivers' titles. Yet, internal tensions, performance struggles, and Max Verstappen’s looming future proved too much.
“As big news stories go, it doesn’t get much bigger in F1!” declared David Croft, the voice of Formula 1.
While official reasoning remains undisclosed, it’s clear Red Bull is prioritizing Verstappen’s long-term future amid rumors of the four-time champion contemplating a Mercedes move. Verstappen, currently shouldering the team’s performance with 203 of their 210 championship points this season, has grown frustrated by unbalanced cars and underperforming teammates. His 2024 contract includes a clause allowing him to leave if he drops below third place in the standings by August, a prospect reportedly gaining momentum.
Internal Tensions and the Decline of Horner's Standing
Horner’s standing within the team had been eroding since 2023, as tensions deepened with Verstappen’s father, Jos, and Red Bull advisors like Helmut Marko after Dietrich Mateschitz’s passing in 2022. Under Horner, the team’s "brain drain" intensified last year as key figures—legendary designer Adrian Newey, sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, and strategy chief Will Courtenay—left for rivals. Meanwhile, driver selections failed to deliver, with recent replacements Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda struggling to support Verstappen.
Horner himself survived a 2024 misconduct investigation but further strained relations with Verstappen’s camp. The cracks became visible at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, with performance slippages and Verstappen’s growing frustrations signaling trouble within the dominant Milton Keynes squad.
Verstappen's Mercedes Option Loomed Large
At Silverstone, sources revealed that Verstappen’s management was seriously exploring a Mercedes option. While a jump in 2026 remains unlikely due to looming regulation changes, the threat intensified. Last Friday, Horner subtly acknowledged Verstappen’s potential departure, stating:
“We don’t need the best driver if we don’t have the best car.”
These comments perhaps hinted at the rift. By replacing Horner, it seems Red Bull is signaling to Verstappen they’ll do whatever it takes to keep him until the expiration of his contract in 2028, particularly as the team transitions to its self-built engines with Ford in 2026. The question remains whether this move will solidify Verstappen’s loyalty or simply buy Red Bull time in a rapidly evolving F1 landscape.
What’s Next for Christian Horner?
With his legacy intact, Horner now faces an uncertain future in Formula 1. Though bound by a contract through 2030, his potential next moves are already sparking speculation. Close relationships with Ferrari’s John Elkann and Alpine executive Flavio Briatore have fueled rumors about various landing spots, though no clear path has emerged.
The Fallout for Red Bull and Formula 1
The fallout from Red Bull’s seismic decision will undoubtedly shape the team’s trajectory on and off the track. But whether betting it all on Verstappen at the expense of Horner pays off remains to be seen.
Up Next
