Why did Red Bull sack F1’s longest-serving team principal Christian Horner mid-season?
The news sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world: Christian Horner, the longest-serving team principal in F1 history, was sacked by Red Bull mid-season. The 47-year-old Briton had been at the helm of the Austrian energy drink giant’s F1 team since 2005, leading them to four consecutive constructors’ championships from 2010 to 2013. So, what led to his sudden departure?
The rumors began circulating in June, with Red Bull announcing an internal restructuring of their F1 operations. While no official reason was given, several factors seem to have contributed to Horner’s departure. In an exclusive interview with the Hindustan Times, Horner himself shed some light on the events that led to his exit.
One of the major controversies surrounding Horner’s departure was the decision to drop Sergio Perez from the team, just months after extending his contract. The Mexican driver had been a key member of the Red Bull team, helping them secure their first constructors’ championship in 2021. However, Horner’s decision to promote Liam Lawson to the team, after just two races, was seen as a gutsy move that didn’t pay off.
“It’s always difficult when you have to make tough decisions, but sometimes you have to make them for the good of the team,” Horner told the Hindustan Times. “I think we’ve had a great run, but sometimes you have to freshen things up and bring in new blood.”
Another controversy that may have contributed to Horner’s departure was an allegation of misconduct made by a female colleague. While Horner denied any wrongdoing, the incident sparked an internal investigation, which ultimately led to his departure.
“I think it’s fair to say that there were some difficult times for everyone involved,” Horner said. “But I’m confident that I’ve always conducted myself in a professional and respectful manner, and I have no doubt that the investigation will back that up.”
The final nail in the coffin may have been Horner’s public rift with Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen. The two had been at odds over the team’s tactics, with Horner seemingly favoring his own drivers over Verstappen’s son. The tension between the two was palpable, and it seemed to be affecting the team’s performance on the track.
“I think we’ve all had our differences, but I’ve always maintained a professional relationship with Jos and the Verstappen family,” Horner said. “I think we’ve had some disagreements, but ultimately, we want the same thing – to win races and championships.”
So, what’s next for Christian Horner? While he’s been linked to other F1 teams, Horner has yet to confirm his next move. In the meantime, he’s taking some time to reflect on his incredible career at Red Bull.
“It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved,” Horner said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such a talented group of people, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
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