In a stunning turn that the Formula 1 world has turned upside down, Red Bull Racing officially said goodbye to team boss Christian Horner after a collaboration of no less than 20 years. The news broke early this morning and immediately caused a storm of reactions from fans, media and insiders.
Christian Horner, who came to Red Bull in 2005 and played a key role in the construction of the team as F1 topper, led the team to several world titles. His departure marks the end of an era that was characterized by strategic master moves and sensational victories.
According to sources within the team, the decision was the result of long -term internal tensions and disagreements with the top of Red Bull GmbH. Although no official reason was given up, rumors are circulating about power struggle and disagreement about the vision for the future. Some even suggest that the recent restructuring within Red Bull played a role.
However, what attracted the most attention was Max Verstappen’s reaction. The reigning world champion, normally cautious outside the job, posted a powerful explanation on social media within an hour:
“Without him this team is nothing more than a name.”
These eight words – direct, loyal and emotional – struggles like a bomb. The F1 community exploded. Hashtags such as#Rechtvoorhornerin#RedBullCrisisSoon the trending lists worldwide dominated.
Jos Verstappen, the father of Max and himself a former driver, remained silent for hours before he posted an enigmatic message on X:
“There are things that you can’t turn back, not even with speed.”
This statement suggested that there are deeper tensions behind the scenes, possibly even between Jos and some Red Bull leaders.
Horner’s period at Red Bull is seen as one of the most successful in the history of sport. Under his leadership, the team won six constructors championships and seven driver titles. His talent to read people and make decisions gave Red Bull a unique position in the F1 world.
In an exclusive interview from his house in Oxfordshire, Horner said shortly after the news:
“I don’t regret it. We have built up something extraordinary. If this is the end of this chapter, let history tell the story.”
With regard to the future of Red Bull, there are serious concerns whether the team can continue his dominance without Horner. Names such as Helmut Marko and Jonathan Wheatley are mentioned as possible successors, but the situation seems brittle. Certainly now that Verstappen’s loyalty to Horner may jeopardize his own future with the team.
With Ferrari and Mercedes on the lurking and the driver market on sharp, one thing seems certain: Formula 1 in 2025 has suddenly become a lot more exciting.
