Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images

Christian Horner was willing to leave Red Bull on his own terms before sudden dismissal

Originally posted on HITC | By Dale O'Donnell | Last updated Jul 26, 2025 9:03 AM ET

Christian Horner was sacked as team principal of Red Bull Racing in July, ending his 20-year spell in charge.

No clear explanation has been provided by Red Bull so far, and the announcement of Laurent Mekies as his replacement followed just minutes after the news broke.

Martin Brundle, speaking after discussions with people close to Max Verstappen, addressed speculation that the driver had played a role in Horner’s departure, suggesting otherwise.

The decision also caused unrest inside the Red Bull factory, with some staff reportedly feeling that Horner’s exit was handled poorly considering his contributions over two decades.

Christian Horner would have stayed at Red Bull until the end of 2025 if the team had agreed

According to The Times, people close to Horner said he was open to stepping down at the end of 2025, framing it as a mutual decision rather than being dismissed outright.

That approach might have sat better not only with Horner but also with those in the team who remained loyal to him, given everything he had achieved since taking over back in 2005.

Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images

But instead, the call came quickly. Red Bull’s shareholders signed off on his removal and broke the news in a hotel room through managing director Oliver Mintzlaff and Helmut Marko.

The news hit hard inside and outside Red Bull Racing. Many sponsors had worked closely with Horner for years, and some reportedly first heard about his sacking through media reports, which didn’t go down well.

On top of that, two senior figures who were known supporters of Horner – Paul Smith and Oliver Hughes – were also removed from their positions on the same day. There were even reports they were escorted out of the factory soon after.

What comes next for Christian Horner in Formula 1?

Several teams have reportedly shown interest in bringing Horner on board in a management capacity, given his wealth of experience.

Over two decades with Red Bull, Horner helped steer the team to eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles, establishing them as a dominant force on the grid since 2010.

Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images

“It’s hard to believe that he’s gone. I think everyone within F1 is quite shocked and surprised by the news,” Gasly said at Spa-Francorchamps. “Obviously he knows Laurent pretty well, and I think it would make complete sense for him to join Alpine.”

With the Renault Group reportedly looking to sell a stake in Alpine, it could present an appealing opportunity for Horner if he’s looking for a role with greater job security.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: