Horner's Exit Sparks Reactions Across F1 - 'Must Be Something Very Serious'

Newsweek

10-07-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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The world of Formula One has been reflecting on Red Bull's decision to part ways with the CEO and team principal of Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner. Several personalities from his team and from the sport have voiced their opinions, such as former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone, who said the reason for Horner's sacking "must be something very serious."
Red Bull hasn't revealed the reason for the unexpected decision. Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies has replaced Horner at Red Bull. Horner joined the Milton Keynes-based team in 2005, celebrating six constructors' titles and eight drivers' championships in the last 20 years.
Bernie Ecclestone
Ecclestone shared his shock at Red Bull's decision, especially given that he spoke to Horner after the British Grand Prix, just a day before his exit announcement. He said:
"I spoke to him the day before [on Monday] and he didn't know. Well, he might have known, but he didn't tell me.
Christian Horner, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing arrives in the Paddock prior to final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 14, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec....
Christian Horner, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing arrives in the Paddock prior to final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 14, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. More"It was a normal conversation. We were talking about Max [Verstappen]. Nothing to do with this, otherwise he would have told me.
"All I know is the message the whole world has got, which is, he's been fired, effective immediately.
"It's the effective immediately I don't understand. Why would they ask him to leave with immediate effect? It's like he's murdered somebody.
"You can understand, if you're going to fire somebody, then you'd have a chat before and you'd come out with something like, 'We've agreed to part company', or something.
"But to come out and say, 'You're fired with immediate effect', he must have done something a bit drastic for that to happen.
"Let's assume they were unhappy with the results, which I can understand, that's one thing, but to be fired immediately, that's a different thing altogether."
Martin Brundle
Sky Sports F1 presenter and former driver Martin Brundle said from his conversation with Horner that the former team boss was not aware of the reason for his ousting. He said:
"It is not completely out of the blue, given the problems in the team. I'm quite sad about it. I consider Christian a friend and he's done an incredible job for 20 years.
"He's won an awful lot of races and world championships for drivers and the team. He took it from what was the Stewart team and Jaguar struggling, into a massive campus in Milton Keynes and [had] an awful lot of success and a huge trophy cabinet.
"It's not too difficult to feel in the F1 paddock and to observe and hear that things were not particularly rosy.
"[The allegations and investigation] are probably part of it but I believe it's performance-related as well. It perhaps makes it more likely that the Verstappens will stay there - I think that became quite personal.
"There are a number of aspects but particularly that the car is struggling, although they have won races brilliantly this year."
He stated further:
"Christian has told me no reason was given to him as to why he's been released. Nothing is forever. Things move on.
"Red Bull have already put in place significant changes with Laurent Mekies coming over from Racing Bulls - their sister team - and Alan Permane will take over the reins there, so they have quickly put into place solutions."
Max Verstappen
The four-time F1 world champion expressed his gratitude to Horner on social media. He wrote:
"From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!"
Damon Hill
1996 F1 champion and presenter Damon Hill raised doubts about whether Horner's successor would be able to fill "those boots." He stated on X:
"CH [Christian Horner] enjoyed massive support from the team he built. I really doubt if a replacement will be able to fill those boots. This might not be the great new beginning some are hoping for. A Palace Coup rarely has good outcomes. But it will be a huge story for F1, seeing how this goes."
Helmut Marko
Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko opened up about his 20-year work relationship with Horner. He said:
"Christian and I have worked together very successfully for over 20 years – both in Formula 1 and in Formula 3000.
"I would like to sincerely thank Christian for that. During this time, we were able to celebrate an incredible number of outstanding achievements.
"We helped develop two World Drivers' Champions and several Grand Prix winners. That has always been – and still is – the Red Bull way.
"As for the current sporting situation: there are still 12 races to go, and we will continue to fight for the Drivers' Championship as long as it's mathematically possible."
Yuki Tsunoda
Yuki Tsunoda thanked Horner for his support. He wrote:
"thank you Christian for all the support you've given me this year. it's been amazing to see what you've built at @redbullracing and thank you for making me part of that. i've learned a lot and am grateful for everything" [sic]
Flavio Briatore
Alpine's executive advisor and interim team principal praised Horner for his impressive track record and wished him the best for his next "adventure." He wrote on Instagram:
"20 years at the top says it all. A competitor on the track but also a friend off track.
"Well done on your achievements @christianhorner at @redbullracing and
Wishing you all the best on your next adventure. Forza Christian!"