Why did Red Bull sack F1’s longest-serving team principal Christian Horner mid-season?
The world of Formula 1 was left stunned when Christian Horner, the longest-serving team principal in the sport’s history, was sacked by Red Bull Racing mid-season. The abrupt departure of Horner, who had been at the helm of Red Bull Racing since 2005, sent shockwaves through the F1 community. But what led to his shocking exit?
In an exclusive interview with the Hindustan Times, Horner opened up about his departure, saying that he was “shocked” and “disappointed” by the decision. He revealed that he had been told just one day before the news was made public, leaving him little time to process the situation.
So, what were the reasons behind Red Bull’s decision to sack Horner? While the exact reasons are still unclear, there are several incidents that may have contributed to his departure.
One of the most significant factors was likely Horner’s decision to drop Sergio Perez from the team just months after extending his contract. Perez, a highly experienced driver, had been a key member of the Red Bull Racing team, but Horner’s decision to replace him with Liam Lawson, a rookie driver, was seen as a surprise by many. Lawson had only been driving for the team for two races prior to his promotion, leading to widespread criticism of Horner’s decision.
Another controversy surrounding Horner’s departure was the allegations of misconduct made against him by a female colleague. While the details of the allegations are not publicly known, it is understood that they were investigated by the team and led to Horner’s departure.
Horner’s public rift with Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, may also have played a role in his exit. The two had been at odds for some time, with Jos publicly criticizing Horner’s team management and Horner responding in kind. The tension between the two had been building for months, and it is likely that Red Bull saw Horner’s departure as an opportunity to distance themselves from the controversy.
So, why did Red Bull decide to sack Horner mid-season? According to sources close to the team, Horner’s departure was a result of a combination of factors, including his recent decisions, the allegations against him, and the public rift with Jos Verstappen.
As Horner himself admitted in his interview with the Hindustan Times, his departure was a shock to him, and he is still trying to make sense of the situation. “I’m still trying to process it all,” he said. “I’m trying to understand why this decision was made, but at the moment, I’m just trying to focus on the present and move forward.”
Despite the controversy surrounding his departure, Horner remains a highly respected figure in the F1 community. He leaves behind a legacy of success, having led Red Bull Racing to four world championships during his time at the team.
As the F1 world continues to grapple with the aftermath of Horner’s departure, one thing is clear: his exit is a significant blow to the sport, and his legacy will be remembered for years to come.
Source:
