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A massive Red Bull F1 era – its first, in fact – is over. Scott Mitchell-Malm looks at what triggered the decision to sack Christian Horner
Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull Racing as CEO and team principal marks a significant turning point for the Formula 1 team, signaling the culmination of years of internal challenges.
Having steered Red Bull for two decades since its F1 debut, Horner has been relieved of his operational duties and swiftly succeeded by Laurent Mekies, the former head of Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls.
The conclusion of an illustrious era for Red Bull in F1, boasting 14 world championships and 124 victories, has arrived abruptly, although the team’s decline has been evident over the past three years.
Horner’s vulnerability seems to stem from a combination of factors, including Red Bull’s performance trajectory and the uncertainties surrounding Max Verstappen’s future, rather than any singular issue directly related to Horner himself.
Although Horner weathered a previous controversy a year ago, Red Bull’s positive remarks about his contributions upon his departure indicate that the decision may not have been driven by a recent scandal but rather by broader performance concerns.
While the timing of Horner’s exit mid-season is unusual, the team’s need for change and a fresh direction likely prompted the decision, given the stagnation and internal strife that have marred Red Bull’s recent campaigns.
