Christian Horner, who has been the face of Red Bull Racing for years, could soon be stepping down from his role as team principal, with reports from Austria suggesting his time at the helm might be coming to an end.
Dominance Under Horner’s Leadership
Horner’s leadership has been a defining factor in Red Bull’s success in Formula One.
Since taking charge, the team has secured six Constructors’ Championships, and their drivers have claimed the World Championship six times since 2005.
Under his guidance, Red Bull has been nearly untouchable in recent years, dominating the sport for the past four seasons.
Challenges in 2024 and 2025
However, the dominance that Red Bull once enjoyed appears to be slipping.
McLaren has emerged as a serious threat, especially towards the end of 2024, and this season, they have truly outpaced Red Bull on the track.
With just one win at the Japanese Grand Prix this year, the team has struggled, while McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have claimed the majority of victories.
To make matters worse, both Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko and star driver Max Verstappen have expressed concerns over the team’s performance levels, which has raised even more questions about Horner’s future.
Reports of Horner’s Departure After Emilia Romagna GP
Rumors have surfaced that Horner’s time with Red Bull could come to an abrupt end following the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.
This follows a challenging period for Horner, who faced personal allegations of “coercive behaviour” from a former female employee in 2024, a claim he has consistently denied.
Internal Power Struggles at Red Bull
On top of these performance issues, there’s been an internal battle within Red Bull itself.
After the death of Dietrich Mateschitz, the company’s founder, tensions have risen, especially with the Austrian faction led by Mark Mateschitz.
Reports suggest they may want Horner out, as they believe he’s been trying to consolidate too much power.
This faction seems to have the support of the Verstappen family, who have their own stakes in the team’s future.
Support from the Thai End of Red Bull
Despite these internal conflicts, Horner has managed to hold on to the backing of the Thai side of the business, led by Chalerm Yoovidhya, who co-founded Red Bull with Mateschitz.
Yoovidhya still holds a 51% stake in the company, which gives Horner a powerful ally amid the tensions.
Red Bull Considering Possible Successors
According to reports, Red Bull has already begun considering potential successors.
Former Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes, who left his post not long ago, is one of the names being discussed.
Additionally, Franz Tost, the long-time leader of Red Bull’s junior team, AlphaTauri, is another option.
Tost has a wealth of experience, having worked with drivers like Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel during his time at Toro Rosso and AlphaTauri.
Tost’s Departure and History with Red Bull
Interestingly, Tost’s departure from AlphaTauri followed a series of disagreements with Horner, highlighting the internal strife within the Red Bull camp.
Having spent 18 years in Formula One, Tost’s exit from the team was a notable moment, especially considering his significant role in developing future world champions.
Is Horner’s Job Safe?
Despite all the speculation, sources close to Red Bull have informed Mail Sport that Horner’s position is not currently under threat.
For now, it seems the team principal’s job is still secure, but with the internal struggles and the team’s uncertain future, things could change quickly.