The removal of Christian Horner as team principal at Red Bull marks both the end of an era in Formula One and a tumultuous period for the team. Horner’s departure is significant, not only for the impact on Red Bull but also across the sport.
Horner, who joined Red Bull in 2005, led the team to incredible success, transforming it from a struggling operation into one of the most dominant forces in F1. Under his leadership, Red Bull won eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ championships. Horner’s unconventional approach, embracing a “jeans and T-shirt” culture, contributed to the team’s success.
However, in under two years, Red Bull has faced significant turmoil. Allegations of inappropriate behavior against Horner led to an independent investigation, which cleared him of wrongdoing. Despite this, the controversy exposed divisions within the team, particularly between Horner and parent company Red Bull GmbH, as well as with Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen.
The internal power struggle culminated in Horner’s position being threatened. However, he managed to ride out the crisis with support from his wife, Geri Horner, and Red Bull GmbH backing off as the controversy subsided.
Last weekend’s British Grand Prix seemed like business as usual, but a recent change in Chalerm Yoovidhya’s stance may indicate that parent company is preparing to act. The decision to remove Horner may be an attempt to placate Verstappen and his father or to address Mercedes’ advances with their star driver.
Verstappen, under contract until 2028, will likely consider his options based on the performance of his car. Red Bull’s struggles, particularly in comparison to McLaren, have left them lagging behind. The team’s decision to build their own engines, a complex and demanding undertaking, may put them at a disadvantage.
With major regulation changes on the horizon, Verstappen will weigh his options carefully. Red Bull’s fate now hangs in the balance, as they enter a new era without Horner, who had brought them so much success. The once-mighty Williams team discovered that success is never guaranteed in F1, and Red Bull may find themselves on a knife edge.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jul/09/christian-horner-red-bull-exit-end-of-era-formula-one