Christian Horner’s Red Bull Exit Looms as New Evidence Threatens His Reign Amid 2025 Struggles
Christian Horner, the longest-serving team principal in Formula 1, faces a precarious future at Red Bull as mounting evidence and team struggles cast doubt on his leadership. Reports from German outlet OE24 and Italian publication Auto Sprint suggest Horner could be sacked as early as after the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, with the Thai stakeholders—holding the majority stake in Red Bull—reportedly losing faith in him. The team’s lackluster 2025 season, marked by McLaren’s dominance and Max Verstappen’s slim chances of securing a fifth title, has intensified scrutiny on Horner. With key departures like Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley, internal conflicts with Helmut Marko, and a hefty chunk of the 2026 budget spent on failed upgrades, Red Bull’s championship hopes are fading. As speculation swirls about replacements like Oliver Oakes or Franz Tost, Horner’s 20-year tenure hangs in the balance, threatening a seismic shift in F1’s power dynamics.
Red Bull’s 2025 season has been a far cry from their 2022-2023 dominance. McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have surged ahead in the drivers’ championship, leaving Verstappen in third and Red Bull trailing in the constructors’ standings. The team’s upgrades, spearheaded by technical director Pierre Waché, have failed to close the gap, with Verstappen openly criticizing their inadequacy. Horner’s leadership, once a cornerstone of Red Bull’s success since 2005, is now under fire for mismanaging resources, with reports claiming the team overspent its 2026 budget to chase 2025 competitiveness—a gamble that backfired. The loss of Newey to Aston Martin and Wheatley’s exit to Audi F1 has left Red Bull’s technical department in disarray, amplifying concerns about their readiness for the 2026 regulations, where Mercedes and Ferrari are expected to excel with their engine expertise.
The timing of Horner’s potential exit is particularly poignant as Red Bull approaches its 400th Grand Prix in Imola. Last year’s investigation into allegations against Horner, coupled with unresolved tensions with Marko, has eroded his authority. Posts on X reflect fan frustration, with many citing Red Bull’s decline and Horner’s failure to counter McLaren’s front-wing advantage, which the FIA plans to clamp down on in Barcelona. Horner acknowledged the rule change’s impact, stating, “It’s a significant change… but it’s difficult to predict.” Former F1 engineer Julian Simonet told The Mirror that Horner’s departure “wouldn’t surprise” given the team’s turbulent year, emphasizing F1’s fast-moving nature. If Horner is ousted, Oliver Oakes, former Alpine boss, and Franz Tost, ex-AlphaTauri principal with deep Red Bull ties, are leading candidates to replace him, though Oakes’ own controversies could complicate his candidacy.
Verstappen’s future adds another layer of uncertainty. With an exit clause tied to his championship position by the summer break, interest from Mercedes and Aston Martin is mounting. Helmut Marko warned that failing to keep Verstappen in the top three could jeopardize his commitment, especially with Red Bull’s 2026 engine project with Ford lagging. Horner’s ability to stabilize the team hinges on delivering a competitive car in races like Barcelona, where McLaren’s advantage may wane. Yet, with Thai stakeholders reportedly withdrawing support, Horner’s days seem numbered. As Red Bull faces a critical juncture, the F1 world watches to see if Horner can salvage his legacy or if a new leader will steer the team into the 2026 era. Will Red Bull’s gamble cost them their star principal and driver, or can they rally to reclaim their dominance?
