What Christian Horner's firing could mean for Red Bull going forward

The Formula One world was rocked by the news this morning that Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has been fired after 20 years with the team. 

Horner had been in charge at Red Bull since their inception in 2005 and saw the team win eight drivers' championships and six constructors' championships. His dismissal follows months of declining form dating back to 2024's Miami Grand Prix. 

He becomes the latest prominent Red Bull team member to leave, with Adrian Newey leaving for Aston Martin, Jonathan Wheatley leaving for Sauber and Rob Marshall leaving for McLaren. 

Horner's firing has shaken up the food chain at Red Bull, along with its sister team, as Racing Bull's team principal Laurent Mekies has now been promoted to Red Bull CEO, and Alan Permane taking over as Racing Bull's new team principal. 

Two main questions now remain in the wake of his firing, "where will Horner go next?" and "what happens with Max Verstappen's future?"

When it comes to Horner, there aren't too many options out there. One that makes the most sense could be a move to Alpine, as the team has been somewhat of a mess this season, and bringing in Horner as team principal could bring stability to the team ahead of the major regulation change next year.

As for Verstappen, this could mean one of two things: either Horner was fired in an effort to keep the Dutchman, as he may not have liked the direction he was taking the team, or Verstappen will leave Red Bull in the off-season, with a move to Mercedes becoming more and more likely.

Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, but has a performance based exit clause in his contract which he can active based on the team's results.