Christian Horner’s abrupt exit: Bernie Ecclestone criticizes Red Bull's former boss for ‘too much power’

Christian Horner Ousted as Red Bull Racing Team Principal After Two Decades

In a shocking turn of events in Formula 1, Christian Horner has been ousted as Red Bull Racing's Team Principal after two decades of unparalleled success. His abrupt departure comes amid internal discord and a decline in performance, marking the end of one of the sport's most distinct managerial eras. Horner's replacement is Laurent Mekies, a seasoned figure in motorsport management.

Bernie Ecclestone Weighs In

Formula 1’s former supremo, Bernie Ecclestone, weighed in on Horner’s ousting, suggesting that the former Red Bull boss may have stayed in power for too long. Speaking to The Telegraph, Ecclestone remarked, “It would probably have been better if they had said, ‘Come in, Christian, sit down.’”

Ecclestone went on to highlight that Horner's influence within Red Bull had become too significant, a reality exacerbated by the team’s recent struggles on track. “The bottom line is that there are people there who thought he was getting away with things, that he was acting as if it was not the Red Bull Ring, but the Christian Horner Ring,” Ecclestone said.

A Decline in Performance and Resistance to Change

Horner’s tenure saw Red Bull Racing rise to dominance, claiming multiple Constructors’ and Drivers’ titles. However, a disappointing turn in form over the past few months reportedly tipped the scales against him. Horner, who operated with significant autonomy and control over both the technical and commercial aspects of the team, appeared resistant to structural changes.

“I know it was suggested to him he should be a team manager and leave the commercial side to somebody else,” Ecclestone revealed. "His idea was, 'I am the chief executive.' [But] you get very few executives who can do everything, from engineering to public relations."

Ecclestone noted a shift in perceptions behind the scenes as Red Bull’s dominance faded in recent months. “All the time you're delivering, people close their eyes. But when you stop delivering, people start looking. One or two begin thinking, 'Well, I could do a better job.'"

Off-Track Controversies

Though Horner’s achievements on the racing front are undeniable, his legacy has been clouded by off-track controversies. Last year, the former Red Bull boss faced allegations of sexual misconduct from a former Red Bull employee, though he was cleared of wrongdoing in both cases. Horner vigorously denied the claims, but the accusations reportedly created further cracks within his role at the helm of Red Bull Racing.

Ecclestone did not mince words about Horner’s handling of these issues, calling his behavior “idiotic.” He added, “He was a 50-year-old who thought he was 20, thought he was one of the boys.”

Ecclestone also defended Horner in public discourse, suggesting that such complaints could often be managed directly. "I often wonder, when these situations happen, why if the girl is so upset with the advances of someone, they don't just say, 'Oi you, stop it,'" he questioned.

The End of an Era for Red Bull Racing

Horner’s departure closes an illustrious chapter for Red Bull Racing and Formula 1 as a whole. His leadership transformed the team into a powerhouse, consistently outperforming rivals like Mercedes and Ferrari during significant stretches. However, the internal struggles and a visible decline in results proved to be the breaking point.

As Laurent Mekies steps in to take charge, Red Bull Racing faces a pivotal moment—balancing the immediate need for resurgence on track with maintaining harmony behind the scenes. For Horner, the exit may not spell the end of his career in Formula 1, but it leaves behind a legacy blending triumph with complexity.

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