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Christian Horner points accusing finger at two people responsible for Red Bull sacking
Christian Horner has cleared Max and Jos Verstappen of any significant involvement in his dismissal as the Red Bull team principal last year. Despite his 20-year tenure and multiple championship wins with the team, including titles for Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen, Horner was let go after weathering personal controversies and accusations of inappropriate behavior. Jos Verstappen expressed concerns over Horner’s leadership and potential consequences for the team if he stayed.
Although Horner initially survived the turmoil, key figures like Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley left, and Red Bull’s performance declined in late 2024. With McLaren’s Lando Norris posing a competitive threat, Red Bull’s form faltered, leading to Horner’s eventual departure. Horner attributed his exit not to the Verstappens, but to decisions made by Red Bull’s parent company’s managing director and other high-ranking officials, influenced by the changing dynamics after the death of Dietrich Mateschitz.
In reflecting on his time at Red Bull and the shifting power dynamics post-Mateschitz, Horner acknowledged potential concerns about his level of control within the organization.
