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Christian Horner exit - Red Bull's shock F1 sacking explained [ad-free video]
Added 2025-07-09 16:39:49 +0000 UTCChristian Horner is GONE from Red Bull as the Formula 1 team's years of growing crisis have led to its biggest bombshell yet.
Having led Red Bull for 20 years from its very first race in F1, Horner has been "released from his operational duties" - in other words, sacked as Red Bull Racing CEO and team principal.
And it's come as a real shock. So what's happened? All is explained in our latest ad-free video.
Comments
The fact that this will be the first season that they don't winn a title for 5 years and the fact the already binned him off is mental. I don't see this change being positive for the teams sporting aspirations.
Chris M
2025-07-10 16:58:23 +0000 UTCWhat is the endgame for Red Bull in making this move? What's the long term plan now post Horner?
Clay Adams
2025-07-10 16:03:42 +0000 UTCIn the follow up podcast, please discuss the revelation of a recent change in RB shareholding that is almost certainly relevant if not key to Horner's fate. As a reminder, when Red Bull GmbH was founded in 1984, Didi Mateschitz and Chaleo Yoovidhya each received 49% of the shares. The remaining 2% went to Chaleo's son, Chalerm. Reportedly, the Austrian side (led by Mark Mateschitz, after Didi's death) wanted to dump Horner during the harassment scandal in early 2024, but were blocked by the Yoovidhya's combined 51%. However, on May 20th, Chalerm transferred his 2% to a trust established with Fides Trustees, SA in Geneva. When reported on June 4 (link below), a Red Bull spokesperson said via email that "Fiduciary solutions such as this are common in order to ensure long-term continuity in large, successful companies." Now, we can't know for sure, but typically this would mean Chalerm loses voting rights over his 2%. Assuming the Austrians and Thais were still at odds about Horner, the vote would now be split at 49% each -- and a decision would be based on something like, e.g., board representation, which is dominated by the Austrians. Whatever the details, it is certainly no coincidence that a) Horner was relieved of duties weeks after the Austrians effectively gained the ability to make it happen; b) Chalerm attended the Austrian Grand Prix, nine days before Horner learned he was sacked (i.e., Tuesday, one day before we did); c) Horner expounded at length at Silverstone about the solidity and efficiency of the team structure, which now looks like a closing statement by a defense attorney. (Horner certainly knew of the transfer of Chalerm's shares to the trust -- it was widely reported in the financial press. He reportedly told Martin Brundle that he was given no reason for the axe. That's a bit disingenuous, since he knows better than anyone that the Austrians have wanted to do it for 18 months . . . and, it seems from the share transfer, finally could.) (June 4 article about share transfer: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/billionaires/thailand-s-billionaire-red-bull-heir-transfers-1-1b-stake-to-trust-firm-4894550.html?)
Tim Walters
2025-07-10 11:44:35 +0000 UTCAs a Mark Webber fan, I have my share of gripes with the way Red Bull was managed, but I have to say this man deserves better than this, but so did Daniel Riccardio. Feels like the end of an era, but the F1 I loved died a while back now
Drew
2025-07-10 06:19:58 +0000 UTCThis looks like a desperate move by RBR to keep Verstappen by offering CH up as a sacrifice. Which will make RBR look pretty stupid if he leaves anyway. But then again, maybe the Mercedes talks (which it seems they didn't really try to hide) were actually a ploy to get CH out, i.e. "either he goes or I go". Kind of depends on how serious the talks were, if Max was genuinely looking for a deal or if he was just stringing them along to try and extract concessions from RBR. Either way, I think this is far from over and it will be interesting to see what happens next!
NotBad4a Number2Driver
2025-07-09 23:27:39 +0000 UTCI don’t think this move will keep Max. But Jos has to be smiling. Only question is what is DTS going to do now that their second favorite TP (behind Steiner) has been shown the door.
Rick
2025-07-09 20:02:03 +0000 UTCIt's actually Mateschitz's son and Red Bull Austria management regaining some control after Horner initially remained in power 16 months ago with the help of the Yoovidhya family, leading to a divided team with Newey, Marshall, Wheatley and others leaving. Looks possible Max is now also moving after talks between him/his management and RB Austria last month alongside talks with Mercedes. Horner should have been sacked last year when the Fiona-saga and internal battles came to light
Gina ML
2025-07-09 19:37:50 +0000 UTCI'm in the 100% of people who don't actually know. But it's fascinating
Simon Emms
2025-07-09 19:23:30 +0000 UTCIt depends, but under English law you usually can't terminate a contract and expect them to still abide by terms of it. But I guess I've only ever seen standard employment contracts, not ones of that level.
Simon Emms
2025-07-09 19:23:00 +0000 UTCShould have happened 18 months ago
Gina ML
2025-07-09 18:47:25 +0000 UTCDoes the gardening period apply for Horner if he wants to join another team?
Manuel Adolfo Díaz Villa
2025-07-09 17:54:09 +0000 UTCReading comments on line. It's very 50/50 in the sense that 50% are saying 'This confirms Verstappen is leaving' with the other 50% saying 'This confirms Verstappen is staying'!
Cardiff Giant
2025-07-09 17:31:56 +0000 UTC
