Christian Horner officially ousted as director
It's an announcement that's shaking up the Formula 1 paddock: Red Bull Racing has officially announced the immediate departure of Christian Horner, its iconic team principal. At the helm of the team since its inception in 2005, Horner has left his mark on two decades of success for the Austrian outfit.
The statement released by Red Bull this morning reads:
« Christian Horner is stepping down from his role as Team Principal of Red Bull Racing with immediate effect. We thank him for his exceptional years of service and wish him the best in his future endeavors. »
No official reason has been given for his departure, but rumors have been circulating for months, between internal tensions and media pressure. Some suggest strategic disagreements with Red Bull's upper management, while others point to a desire for change after a long period of dominance.
An exceptional record
Christian Horner, a former British Formula 3000 driver, managed to turn Red Bull Racing into a true winning machine. Under his leadership, the team claimed 6 constructors' titles and 7 drivers' championships, including four with Sebastian Vettel (2010 to 2013) and three with Max Verstappen (2021 to 2023).
Among the most iconic victories of the Horner era is the Monaco Grand Prix, where Red Bull triumphed six times, four of them under his direct management (2010, 2012, 2018 and 2023). A legendary circuit Horner described as the "ultimate test of technical and mental mastery", often seen as a benchmark of overall car performance.
Horner had a particular fondness for Monaco, a Grand Prix both glamorous and feared by teams. Outside of racing, he was often seen around the Monaco paddock, moving between strategy meetings and public appearances.
His speech after Verstappen's 2023 victory in Monaco remains unforgettable:
« Winning here validates all the work done by our team. Monaco doesn't forgive, and that's what makes it one of the most rewarding victories to achieve. »
With Christian Horner's departure, Red Bull faces a strategic crossroads. Several names are already being mentioned as possible successors, including Helmut Marko (longtime Red Bull advisor), but also external candidates, and even talent from the Red Bull Junior Team.
The team will have to adapt quickly as the 2025 season unfolds, amid fierce competition from Mercedes and McLaren. All eyes will also be on Max Verstappen, closely linked to Horner, whose future could also be reconsidered in the medium term.