Why did Red Bull sack F1’s longest-serving team principal Christian Horner mid-season?
Christian Horner, the longest-serving team principal in Formula 1, was suddenly axed by Red Bull mid-season, sending shockwaves through the Formula 1 community. The news came as a surprise to many, given Horner’s long and successful tenure at the team. However, it appears that his departure was the result of a combination of factors, including several controversial decisions and allegations of misconduct.
One of the most notable reasons for Horner’s departure was his decision to drop Sergio Perez from the team just months after extending his contract. Perez had been a key member of the Red Bull team, helping them achieve several victories and podiums. However, it seems that Horner’s decision to drop him was not well-received by the team or its fans.
Another reason for Horner’s departure was his decision to move Liam Lawson to the Racing Bulls team after just two races. Lawson was a young and promising driver, but his sudden promotion to the main Red Bull team raised eyebrows among fans and critics. It seemed that Horner was trying to shake things up and bring in fresh talent, but the move ultimately backfired.
In addition to these decisions, Horner was also accused of misconduct by a female colleague. The exact nature of the allegations is not clear, but it appears that Horner’s behavior was deemed unacceptable by the team and its owners.
Finally, there was a public rift between Horner and Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen. Jos had been a vocal critic of Horner and the Red Bull team, and the two had a very public disagreement. It seemed that Horner’s relationship with the Verstappen family had become strained, and his departure may have been the result of this rift.
In an interview with the Hindustan Times, Horner spoke about his departure from Red Bull, stating that he was “shocked” by the decision. He also denied any allegations of misconduct, stating that he had been “completely honest” throughout his career. Horner also acknowledged that his relationship with the Verstappen family had become strained, stating that “there were differences of opinion” between him and Jos Verstappen.
Horner’s departure from Red Bull marks the end of an era for the team. He had been the team principal for over 15 years, and during that time, Red Bull had achieved numerous victories and championships. His departure is a significant blow to the team, and it remains to be seen how they will adapt to life without him.
In conclusion, Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull was likely the result of a combination of factors, including several controversial decisions and allegations of misconduct. His relationship with the Verstappen family had also become strained, and his departure may have been the result of this rift. Despite his departure, Horner remains one of the most successful and respected team principals in F1 history.
