Latest news with #OracleRedBullRacingTeam
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Toto Wolff Denies Idea That Christian Horner Sacking Was His Fault
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff denied playing a role in the firing of former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. Wolff is rumored to be in full pursuit of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, chasing after the reigning four-time champion over the past year and a half, despite him recently confirming his focus on his own drivers. Some reports from the paddock suggest that Red Bull executives decided to remove Horner in an attempt to appease Verstappen's camp after growing weary of the team boss's leadership. The Dutch driver has clauses in his contract that could trigger a move away from the team. Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talks with Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff in the Paddock prior to Sprint Qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring... Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talks with Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff in the Paddock prior to Sprint Qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 28, 2024 in Spielberg, Austria. More Photo bySeeing an opportunity to poach Verstappen, Wolff has been working on the move for a month, exploring the possibility of making the driver transfer happen. While Mercedes' interest in Verstappen potentially put pressure on Red Bull, Wolff doesn't believe it factored into the decision. "There is much more in the background that we probably don't know with Red Bull," he told Sky Sports at the Belgian Grand Prix weekend. "Looking after drivers, in my position as team principal of Mercedes, I need to explore what Max is going to do in the next few years, not only next year." Now that Horner is out of the picture, Verstappen's future is more unclear than ever before, but the Mercedes boss figures it will come down to who the driver feels has the better car in the future. "I think drivers will always seek the quickest car, much more than any monetary incentives," Wolff added. "It's about the quickest car and analyzing that. That's what Max and all the others will do." More news: Max Verstappen Backed Christian Horner Days Before Red Bull Sacking Mercedes is balancing their driver issues as star driver George Russell remains without a contract for the upcoming season and Kimi Antonelli is still developing. Both drivers are in limbo until Verstappen makes a firm decision one way or another, though Wolff believes both are likely to remain at the team next season. "This is all a long-shot, far-fetched. I want to stay with Kimi and George as it stands," he said. "Everything else is not realistic. If you have a Russell-Verstappen line-up, that's Prost-Senna." "There is the largest of probabilities, [though] nothing is 100 per cent, that this will be the line-up next year [Russell and Antonelli]." Verstappen is lined up as the key domino to fall in the drivers market, keeping everything locked in place until he makes his decision. More news: Sebastian Vettel Provides Update On F1 Future Amid Red Bull Rumors For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Senior Red Bull Engineer Still 'Shocked' After Christian Horner's Departure
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Red Bull Racing's chief engineer, Paul Monaghan, has played a key role within the team since its inception in 2005, and he was left shocked by the departure of former boss Christian Horner. Horner hired Monaghan as a key official within Red Bull, developing several race-winning cars. Red Bull won eight drivers' titles and six constructors' championships under Horner's leadership. Despite the achievement, after months full of controversy over the last couple of years, the successful team principal was removed from his post. Red Bull Racing CEO and Team Principal Christian Horner eats his lunch on the deck of the hospitality suite with Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Consultant Dr Helmut Marko and Oracle Red Bull Racing Team... Red Bull Racing CEO and Team Principal Christian Horner eats his lunch on the deck of the hospitality suite with Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Consultant Dr Helmut Marko and Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Chief Engineer Paul Monaghan during the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on April 20, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. More Photo byAfter a whirlwind series of events at the team, Monaghan addressed Horner's departure. "To tell the truth, it was a shock to me. Sad. Christian has put a large chunk of his working life into the team, and altogether as a team, we've enjoyed a huge amount of success, perhaps unwarranted to some views," Monaghan told the media at the Belgian Grand Prix. "But anyway. What is done is done. So thank you to Christian for everything he did, personally for me and for this team. "Laurent's got a difficult situation to be dropped in," he said. "I've known him for many years. Very personable. Smart chap. "So now it's up to us to pull together as a team, because nine other teams can't wait to fight us. So if we're going to stand up to them, we're going to have to stand as a team. "We are prepared to stand as a team. Laurent is doing his utmost to ensure that is what we are aiming to do. And yeah, we'll do so." Just last season, the chief engineer signed a contract extension which will see him stay at Milton Keynes, along with technical director Pierre Wache, head of aerodynamics Enrico Balbo, and head of performance engineering Ben Waterhouse. Monaghan is a part of the Red Bull technical team, which is under fire for the car's recent performances. More news: Max Verstappen Backed Christian Horner Days Before Red Bull Sacking The energy drink racing team dominated the 2022 and 2023 seasons, but midway through the 2024 season, McLaren made notable strides while the Red Bull car started to stagnate in terms of development. This season, Max Verstappen is firmly out of the running for a title challenge, and the team's other driver, Yuki Tsunoda, struggles to get the car consistently into Q3. Assuming Monaghan stays for the post-Horner era, he will need to help turn around an engineering setback if the team wants to return to glory. More news: Sebastian Vettel Provides Update On F1 Future Amid Red Bull Rumors For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Ferrari Sent Lewis Hamilton Exit Warning Amid Christian Horner Rumours
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Christian Horner's potential move to Ferrari as team principal Fred Vasseur's replacement could pave the way for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton's departure, according to Will Buxton. Horner served as Red Bull Racing's team principal for 20 years before being ousted by the team on Wednesday. While the reason for his exit remains unknown, Ferrari's interest in Horner, which dated back to 2022, has resurfaced, especially given the rumors of Vasseur's potential exit in the recent races. Speculation is that Ferrari is unhappy with Vasseur's performance, although these rumors have been shut down by Vasseur, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc. The Maranello-based outfit last won the Constructors' Championship in 2008. Kimi Räikkönen was the last Ferrari driver to have secured the 2007 Drivers' Championship. Horner's availability has led many to believe that Ferrari could approach him again. However, motorsport journalist Buxton has pointed out that Hamilton's move from Mercedes to Ferrari early this year was influenced by Vasseur. If Ferrari were to part ways with Vasseur, it could also lead to Hamilton's exit. Speaking on The Sports Agents podcast, Buxton explained: Scuderia Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur and Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner arrive in the paddock together during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on... Scuderia Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur and Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner arrive in the paddock together during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 26, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico. More"One of the key reasons that Lewis moved to Ferrari wasn't just the allure of racing for the Scuderia. It was to link up once again with Fred Vasseur, who ran Lewis to his junior series championships. "Lewis adores that man and has absolute faith in Fred Vasseur. If they replaced Fred with Christian Horner, I don't think Lewis would be a Ferrari driver for much longer." F1 journalist Joe Saward highlighted Ferrari chairman John Elkann's interest in Horner back in 2022, given rumors about Horner joining Ferrari swirled in the paddock during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend. He also pointed out concerns with Vasseur but stressed that Horner would refuse the offer. He wrote in his blog: "This story was true about three years ago when Ferrari chairman John Elkann jetted over the England and dropped in to see Christian and asked him if he would like to move to Maranello. Horner said 'Thanks for the offer' and Elkann rang his pilots and told them to spool up the jets. "Horner's response is unlikely to change if Ferrari does come calling again, but he said that they had not. For many in F1 joining Ferrari is considered a career move akin to throwing oneself on a bonfire (with a flameproof wallet) because the team seems to be unfixable. It is nearly a generation since Ferrari won its last Formula 1 title. "It is probably inevitable that Vasseur's future is beginning to be questioned. He has been there for a couple of seasons and things have not gone particularly well."
Newsweek
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Red Bull Advisor Addresses 2025 Title Picture in Statement on Christian Horner
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Red Bull Racing senior advisor Helmut Marko has opened up about the team's outlook on the 2025 Drivers' Championship in his statement about former CEO and team principal Christian Horner. Red Bull parted ways with Horner on Wednesday with immediate effect, replacing him with Racing Bulls CEO Laurent Mekies. However, the outfit has not mentioned the reason for its decision to oust Horner after a partnership of 20 years. His departure comes amid Red Bull's struggles on the racetrack. For the first time in the ground effect era, which began in 2022, Max Verstappen is not leading the championship. In addition, the team began to experience balance problems on its title contender last year following the exit of chief technology officer Adrian Newey. With Verstappen placed third in the 2025 drivers' standings, Red Bull continues to face challenges with its car. His teammate Yuki Tsunoda has also been struggling to adapt to the RB21 following his promotion early this year from Racing Bulls. Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner and Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Consultant Dr Helmut Marko look on in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit... Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner and Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Consultant Dr Helmut Marko look on in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 09, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. MoreAddressing the achievements celebrated with Horner, Marko admitted that the team will continue to fight for the championship until it is out of contention. 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." Horner posted a message on Instagram after his exit, revealing how proud he was of what his team achieved under his leadership. Newsweek Sports reported: "After an incredible journey of twenty years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the Team I have absolutely loved. Every one of you, the amazing people at the factory, have been the heart and soul of everything that we have achieved. Win and lose, every step of the way, we have stood by each other as one and I will never forget that. It's been a privilege being part of and leading this epic Team and I am so proud of our collective accomplishments and you all. "Thanks to the amazing partners and fans who enabled us to go racing. Your support has helped grow the team from its humble beginnings to an F1 powerhouse that laid claim to 6 Constructors Championships and 8 Drivers Championships. "Equally, thank you to our rivals, with whom there would be no racing at all. You've pushed us, challenged us, and enabled us to achieve accolades we never dreamed possible. The competition has made every victory sweeter and every setback an opportunity to develop and grow. "Formula 1 is a sport built on relentless ambition, passion, and respect. The rivalries have been fierce, but the mutual drive to innovate and raise the bar is what has made this journey so special. "It's been an honour to be part of this incredible era of motorsport. I leave with immense pride in what we've achieved and also with what's in the pipeline for 2026 - and huge respect for everyone who's made F1 the pinnacle it is today. Thank You."
Newsweek
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
F1 Insider Details Horner and Jos Verstappen Dispute Before Red Bull Departure
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher has alleged that a heated argument took place between Max Verstappen's father, Jos Verstappen, and former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner during the British Grand Prix weekend, ahead of Horner's Red Bull exit. Schumacher claimed that he personally saw what looked like a debate between the two personalities. Just two days after the race at Silverstone, Red Bull announced the exit of Horner on Wednesday with immediate effect. Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies has replaced him. Horner and Jos's differences go back to the 2024 season opener in Bahrain, when Horner was accused of inappropriate behavior by a female colleague. Despite Max winning the race in Sakhir, Jos and Horner were reportedly involved in a heated exchange. The accusation followed an internal investigation by Red Bull. Eventually, Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing, but reports of an internal power struggle at Red Bull appeared, involving Horner and the team's senior advisor, Helmut Marko. Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talks with Jos Verstappen in the Paddock prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on February 29, 2024 in... Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talks with Jos Verstappen in the Paddock prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on February 29, 2024 in Bahrain, Bahrain. MoreSchumacher claims that the differences between Horner and Jos were never resolved completely. Speaking on the Boxengasse-podcast, as quoted and translated by The Sun, he said: "There was another argument or a heated exchange, at least visually and verbally between Jos Verstappen, Christian Horner and the press officer. "You could see that Jos was anything but happy with the situation." Schumacher then addressed Horner. He said: "But I understand it too. For me, Christian Horner is also a bit of a difficult person. "I have to say that. He just failed to keep the team together well, which is not always easy, of course. "But I also think his behaviour now, I can only refer to myself, but he can't really deal with criticism." The former driver added that Horner doesn't talk to him or Sky Sports Germany. He said: "We are, or I am, now, on a so-called black list, so he no longer talks to us or with me and such. "It's actually a joke, because a man who has won so much should actually be able to discuss it in front of the camera." Red Bull has not revealed the reason for Horner's ousting. Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff issued a statement announcing Horner's departure. It read: "We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. "With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1. "Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history."
