
Why did Red Bull sack F1’s longest-serving team principal Christian Horner mid-season?
The Formula 1 world was left stunned when Red Bull Racing announced the sacking of Christian Horner, the longest-serving team principal in the history of the sport, mid-season. The move came after several controversial decisions made by Horner, including dropping Sergio Perez months after extending his contract and moving Liam Lawson to Racing Bulls after just two races. But what really contributed to his departure?
Christian Horner has been at the helm of Red Bull Racing since 2005, leading the team to numerous championships and becoming a household name in the world of Formula 1. However, his departure has left many wondering what went wrong. In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Horner opened up about his departure, saying, “I was surprised, I was disappointed, and I was saddened by the way it was handled.” Despite his disappointment, Horner has chosen not to speak ill of his former employer, saying, “Red Bull gave me an incredible opportunity, and I will always be grateful for that.”
So, what led to Horner’s departure? One of the main reasons was his decision to drop Sergio Perez, who was under contract with the team. Perez was a key player in the team’s success, having won multiple races and helping Red Bull to numerous championships. However, Horner’s decision to drop him was met with widespread criticism, with many fans and pundits questioning the decision.
Another reason for Horner’s departure was his decision to move Liam Lawson to Racing Bulls after just two races. Lawson was a young and talented driver, but his move to Racing Bulls was seen by many as a demotion, and it was widely criticized by fans and pundits alike.
But it was not just Horner’s decisions that contributed to his departure. Allegations of misconduct by a female colleague were also made, and an investigation was launched. Although Horner has denied any wrongdoing, the allegations have had a significant impact on his departure.
Finally, a public rift with Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, may have also played a role in Horner’s departure. Jos Verstappen has been a vocal critic of Horner in the past, and the two have had a strained relationship. The rift became public during the Hungarian Grand Prix, when Jos Verstappen was seen arguing with Horner on the pit wall.
Horner’s departure has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, and it remains to be seen how Red Bull will fare without him at the helm. Despite his departure, Horner remains proud of his achievements with the team, saying, “I am proud of what we achieved, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of that journey.”
In conclusion, Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull Racing was a shocking and unexpected move. While his decisions were certainly controversial, it was ultimately a combination of factors that led to his departure. From allegations of misconduct to a public rift with Max Verstappen’s father, Horner’s departure was the result of a complex and intricate set of circumstances.