The Race F1 Podcast Horner sacked by Red Bull - what's behind the bombshell move?
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Jul 9, 2025 Jon Noble and Mark Hughes, renowned F1 journalists, dive into the shocking news of Christian Horner's ousting from Red Bull. They discuss how this shake-up might affect star driver Max Verstappen and what new CEO Laurent Mekies brings to the table. The conversation also covers Horner's legacy in shaping Red Bull's success and anticipates the challenges ahead for the team under new leadership. With whispers of Horner potentially moving to Ferrari, they explore the evolving dynamics within Formula One.
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Why Horner Was Removed
- Christian Horner's sudden removal as Red Bull team principal is mainly driven by on-track performance issues and Max Verstappen's concerns.
- Verstappen's camp demanded changes to retain his commitment amid Red Bull's recent decline.
Internal Politics and Timing
- The timing of Horner's exit closely links to contractual and performance concerns involving Verstappen and internal Red Bull politics.
- The combined interests of Red Bull's Austrian and Thai factions aligned for this management change.
Challenges for New CEO Mekies
- Laurent Mekies faces a huge task managing Red Bull’s racing turnaround, next season's new engine, and re-aligning the team.
- No immediate miracles expected; Mekies must juggle short-term fixes with long-term strategies.