Formula 1 is on fire with the last rumors that shake the paddock: Christian Horner, the iconic chief of Red Bull Racing, could be living his last hours at the head of the team. According to European media, led by the Austrian newspaperAustria, Emilia-Romaña’s Grand Prix in Isola, scheduled for May 18, 2025, could mark the end of an era for the British. What is happening in the Energy Drinks? Here we tell you all the details of this bomb that has fans on the edge of the seat.
2025 has not been the year of Red Bull. After dominating Formula 1 in previous seasons, the Austrian team has had a disappointing start, with a single victory of Max Verstappen in the Japan GP. Meanwhile, McLaren has swept five wins, four of them thanks to Oscar Piastri, leader of the pilot championship. This fall in the performance of RB21 has generated internal tensions, and criticisms have not been expected. Both Verstappen and Helmut Marko, historical advisor to Red Bull, have publicly questioned the competitiveness of the car, increasing the pressure on Horner.
The Imola Grand Prix will be key. Red Bull plans to introduce technical updates, such as suspension settings and a redesign of the car’s floor, but a revolutionary change is not expected. According toCar sprint, if these improvements do not achieve a “notable” impact on the track, the majority shareholder, Chalerm Yoovidhya, could withdraw his support for Horner, racing the way for his departure.
It is not the first time that Horner is in the eye of the hurricane. In 2023, a team employee accused him of inappropriate behavior, which unleashed an internal investigation. Although Horner was exonerated and backed by Thai shareholders, the scandal left open injuries, especially with the Austrian faction led by Marko. This episode, combined with the current sports crisis, has revived doubts about its leadership.
Since the death of Dietrich Mateschitz, founder of Red Bull, in 2022, the team has faced a silent power struggle. The relationship between Horner and Marko has deteriorated, and the rumors of a dismissal have gained strength in the Austrian media, close to the advisor. For many, Horner has become the “scapegoat” of team problems.
If the rumors are confirmed, Red Bull would already be evaluating successors. Among the names that sound are Franz Tost, former head of Toro Rosso (now Racing Bulls), and Oliver Oakes, who recently left Alpine. However, Oakes’ candidacy has been complicated by a scandal related to his brother, which could rule it out. Tost, on the other hand, is a respective and close figure to the Red Bull dome, but his return would be a surprise after his departure in 2023.
Uncertainty is not limited to Horner. Max Verstappen, with a contract until 2028, has been linked to Mercedes and Aston Martin in recent weeks. Although his departure would not directly impact Horner’s position, a bad result in Icola could intensify rumors about the future of tetracampeon. Could Red Bull lose your star?
The possible departure of Horner, who has led Red Bull since 2005 and transformed it into a power with six builders of builders and eight of pilots, would mark a monumental change. Its legacy is undeniable, but Formula 1 is relentless, and stagnation is not forgiven. Icola will not only be a race, but a turning point for the team.
While the paddock looks forward to the outcome, one thing is safe: the crisis in Red Bull is far from finishing. Will Horner save his position, or will we see a new chapter in the history of the team? Share your opinion in the comments and follow us for more updates of this drama that is revolutionizing formula 1.
