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Gary Anderson reckons two key decisions with big on-track implications left Christian Horner vulnerable in Red Bull power struggles
When news broke that Christian Horner had been sacked from the Red Bull Formula 1 team, I found it surprising how swiftly it all transpired, especially with the timing, just after the British Grand Prix and before the summer break. One would have expected a bit more courtesy considering his 20-year tenure with the team. The performance drop may not be the sole reason for his dismissal, hinting at other underlying issues.
Despite internal problems in the past, investigations seemed to have quietened the storm, leaving the real motive behind his departure shrouded in mystery. Throughout his two-decade leadership, Horner transformed the team from its Jaguar roots, facing challenges along the way, much like Jaguar during its early days. The departure echoes a similar sentiment from my own experience, where clarity came only at the end of the season.
The absence of gardening leave suggests that this decision might have been a mutual understanding between both parties, avoiding any public mud-slinging. From an external perspective, some of Horner’s questionable decisions, like losing Adrian Newey without a secured alternative, raise questions about his managerial acumen. Newey’s departure has had a noticeable impact on team performance, underscoring his irreplaceable expertise.
Another overlooked concern is Red Bull’s expansion into power unit manufacturing, potentially stretching the team’s capabilities beyond their limits. The fruitful partnership with Honda raises doubts about why Red Bull would risk disbanding a successful alliance. Horner’s leadership under the watchful eye of Helmut Marko may have posed challenges, yet as the team principal, ultimate responsibility falls on his shoulders.
