► Horner leaves after 20 years
► Why now, and what next?
► And what about Verstappen?
You live by the sword: Red Bull Team principal Christian Horner has been sacked mid-week, mid-season with immediate effect – much like the drivers he’s employed for the last two decades. It’s been a long time coming and follows controversy last year, along with the departures of ex-sporting director James Wheatley (to Sauber and soon Audi) as well as ex-designer Adrian Newey to Aston Martin.
Like so many things in F1, his position appeared to be at a permanent tipping point, with business as usual in public and rumoured disquiet behind closed doors. So, what was the reason for Horner’s sudden departure, and his replacement with Racing Bull’s team principal Laurent Mekies?
Why now?
Due to the amount of time that’s passed, and the fact Horner remained in his role last year, it’s unlikely to be about anything from 2024. Instead, it’s worth looking at two recent developments: Verstappen’s lack of pace at the Silverstone GP, and a ramping up in rumours of Mercedes interest in the four-time world champion.
As I wrote soon after the race, Verstappen seemed to feel resigned about this year’s car at the British GP, and his race was also particularly challenging. Forced to gamble on car setup, even one of F1’s rainmasters was unable to make the difference. So tricky was the Red Bull, that the Dutchman made an unusual mistake on the safety-car restart – and seemed to be wrestling the RB21 the whole afternoon.
It went against a narrative that’s developed throughout the last two years, with the four-time world champion unable to jam his car into a position it has no right to be. The performance gap between the Red Bull and Mclaren is now so large that even Verstappen can’t make the difference in the rain. With that in mind, the Silverstone race felt like a watershed of sorts – the Verstappen equivalent of Singapore 2012. It’s likely the been the catalyst for something. But what?
What next?
Unfortunately, Horner’s departure could mean two things: it could either be a sign of guaranteeing Max Verstappen’s services, or it could precede the Dutchman’s move to Mercedes.
Jos Verstappen has made no secret of his disregard for Horner, and has said numerous times that the team would ultimately fall apart if Horner remained at the helm. Perhaps interest from Mercedes – as well as an uncharacteristically uncompetitive Red Bull – has made Verstappen senior’s argument that bit stronger.
Of course, Horner’s departure could also be the result of a failure to keep Verstappen – and even Wheatley and Newey to an extent. Horner’s ability to assemble and retain F1’s best talent has been one his strong suits, and in latter times a means of survival. A Max Verstappen departure would see him losing one of his final gambling chips.
So, which is it? We’ll know soon enough.