Christian Horner leaves Red Bull after scandalous team principal dismissal

Red Bull stuns F1 as Horner’s Two-decade reign ends… In a move that’s sent shockwaves through Formula One, Red Bull Racing has parted ways with Christian Horner after 20 years at the helm, just twelve months on from the high-profile texting scandal that threatened to topple him last season.

Red Bull has seen its fortunes plummet both on and away from the track. Team tensions are raging and Max Verstappen may even be considering a move. Horner was the longest-serving F1 boss, but now he is out of the team that he helped turn into a motorsport giant.

From Championship heights to division and controversy

Horner’s dismissal caps a turbulent year for Red Bull. After years of dominating the Drivers’ and the Constructors’ championships, the team now faces internal rifts and has fallen down the rankings. Horner has left the company after surviving last year’s scandal, in which allegations were made about inappropriate messages sent to female colleagues. Horner was not the same person he used to be, even though he had been cleared twice in internal investigations.

The British team principal guided Red Bull through two golden eras — first with Sebastian Vettel, then with Verstappen — delivering a remarkable eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ crowns. Behind the scenes, however, things are unraveling fast.

What’s the latest blow? The latest blow? Ralf Shumacher, former F1 racer, says that tensions between Horner and Verstappen reached breaking point. Jos Verstappen never held back in his belief that Horner was wrong to stay after the Bahrain scandal.

Red Bull’s future is uncertain due to leadership changes and key player exit

Oliver Mintzlaff delivered a diplomatic yet clear statement from Red Bull. “We thank Christian Horner and his team for their exceptional work in the last 20-years.” He played a key role in the success of Red Bull Racing, which is now one of Formula 1’s top teams. Christian, thank you so much for all that you have done. “You’ll be forever a part our team history.”

Laurent Mekies, the new CEO of Red Bull, takes over from Racing Bulls as the team seeks stability and a new start. But with Verstappen openly frustrated by recent performances — and linked with a blockbuster move to Mercedes — Red Bull’s once-unshakeable dominance is suddenly up in the air.

Verstappen has fallen to third place in the standings this season, 69 points behind leader Oscar Piastri. McLaren is leading the Constructors race. The team has lost key members, such as legendary designer Adrian Newey, and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley.

Horner, meanwhile, insists his run-ins with controversy were an inevitable by-product of success — not least with Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” putting F1’s off-track dramas under the microscope. In recent interviews, he reflected that “the more success you achieve, the harder you’ll be to target”. He also thanked his wife Geri for her steadfast and unwavering support.

Red Bull is having a difficult time both on and off track

The past year has been one of turmoil. Verstappen is openly flirting at the idea of switching to Mercedes, as Red Bull struggles to compete with their rivals. Horner’s fate has been the subject of rumours for months. This was fueled by Jos Vertappen’s constant public criticism, and the abrupt departures from high-profile teams.

Even Geri Halliwell — “Ginger Spice” herself — has felt the impact, standing by Horner through what sources described as “weeks of hell”. The couple has faced the scandal as a unit, with their every move being scrutinised. From the Bahrain paddocks to Silverstone.

Red Bull has also been struggling in the garage. Red Bull has been forced to drop rookies such as Liam Lawson after just a few races. Yuki Tsunoda, meanwhile, has had a disappointing season.

One thing is certain: with Christian Horner gone, Formula One is about to witness a new era at Red Bull — but whether it brings fresh glory or more chaos remains to be seen.

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