‘No reason’ behind Horner sacking

Red Bull is used to notable mid-season announcements, but the bombshell of its only team principal, Christian Horner, being sacked is arguably the biggest.

And whilst the Verstappen camp has been diplomatic in its short, carefully worded public statements, Martin Brundle reveals Horner was given “no reason” behind his demise.

Horner has been the only Team Principal in Red Bull’s entire F1 history to reach a second decade since the 2005 debut.

But since the passing of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz towards the end of 2022, the political instability has rocked the team.

Things escalated at the start of 2024 when Horner was accused of sexual harassment and unfair dismissal, but stayed, much to the dismay of Jos Verstappen.

But things have not settled down, and after numerous key personnel departures such as Adrian Newey, Rob Marshall, Johnathan Wheatley and more, combined with frustrations of reducing performance, the situation reached a tipping point.

With rumours of Max Verstappen moving to Mercedes swirling, sacking Horner seems to be Oliver Mintzlaff’s card to keep the four-time world champion.

The sudden move has shocked the F1 world in the direct aftermath of the British Grand Prix with a teary Horner thanking the team for the 20-year journey.

Whilst the key figures have not explained the reasoning, Martin Brindle told Sky Sports F1 that the man who has led the team from nothing to the top was given little to no explanation.

Brundle believed it could be related to Red Bull’s drop in speed, having gone from breaking records in 2023 to losing out to McLaren.

“I believe it’s probably performance related,” Brundle told Sky Sports News.

“There are a number of aspects but particularly the car. It is struggling, although they have won races brilliantly this year.

“I am due to speak to Christian later. I put a message to him saying ‘I am sorry to read this, can we have a chat before I am due to go on TV because I want to know more about it from his point of view’.

“He wasn’t able to do that. What he did say was that no reason was given to him as to why he is being released. That’s the only information I have.”

It is not unreasonable to connect Horner’s departure with Verstappen’s immediate future, given his growing frustration with the 2025 car.

It is clear there has been a building division between Horner and the key figures around Verstappen from father Jos to Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko.

However, the four-time world champion still put all that aside to thank the team principal.

“From my first race win, to four World Championships, we have shared incredible successes,” read Verstappen’s note on social media. 

“Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!”

Raymond Vermeulen, Max Verstappen’s manager, has also reacted to the surprise news.

“We were informed in advance by Red Bull’s management that this decision had been taken,” Vermeulen said, speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

“It is up to Red Bull to give a further explanation as to the rationale.

“We continue to look at the sporting side and are looking for more performance so that we can return to the top

“In that respect, nothing will change.”

Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Red Bull Content Pool

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