Red Bull signals it will keep up title fight after Horner was fired. It faces many other challenges
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner talkks to Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands before the third free practice at the Red Bull Ring racetrack, ahead of the Austrian Formula One Grand Prix in Spielberg, Austria, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands gets a pit service during the British Formula One Grand Prix race at the Silverstone racetrack in Silverstone, England, Sunday, July 6, 2025. AP Photo/Andrej Isakovic, Pool)
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands gets a pit service during the British Formula One Grand Prix race at the Silverstone racetrack in Silverstone, England, Sunday, July 6, 2025. AP Photo/Andrej Isakovic, Pool)
FILE -RB team principal Laurent Mekies is interviewed on the grid before the Sprint race at the Miami Formula One Grand Prix, Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner talkks to Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands before the third free practice at the Red Bull Ring racetrack, ahead of the Austrian Formula One Grand Prix in Spielberg, Austria, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands gets a pit service during the British Formula One Grand Prix race at the Silverstone racetrack in Silverstone, England, Sunday, July 6, 2025. AP Photo/Andrej Isakovic, Pool)
Red Bull motorsport adviser Helmut Marko has pledged not give up on the Formula 1 title fight until it's mathematically impossible for Max Verstappen to win, even after Christian Horner was fired as team principal.
In the first sign of the team's ambitions after ending Horner's 20-year tenure and appointing Laurent Mekies, Marko dismissed suggestions Thursday that the move might mark a shift of focus to 2026.
Advertisement
'As for the current sporting situation: there are still twelve races to go, and we will continue to fight for the drivers' championship as long as it's mathematically possible," Marko said in comments released by the team.
It comes after Max Verstappen — third in the standings, 69 points off the lead — had seemed pessimistic about his title defense. Marko himself last month told Austrian TV the team might need to 'write off' the title if things didn't improve.
There was no mention Thursday of the constructors' standings, where Red Bull is far adrift of McLaren.
Turning around a disappointing season is just one of many urgent demands facing Mekies on his first full day as Red Bull's new team principal.
Advertisement
Verstappen's future
The defending champion last week refused to commit to staying with Red Bull for 2026, even while Horner claimed Verstappen's 'intention is that he will be there.'
It's likely to become clearer in the coming weeks whether Horner's departure has done anything to make Verstappen more willing to stay.
If Verstappen does leave, it would likely be for rival Mercedes. Losing its star driver relatively late in 2025 could hamper Red Bull's development work for next year, and there are few experienced options available.
The second seat
The two sides of the Red Bull garage seem like different teams.
Advertisement
Verstappen has scored 165 of Red Bull's 172 points this year despite his frequent complaints about the car. For anyone else, it seems undriveable. The last Red Bull podium for a driver other than Verstappen was in April 2024. The last win came in April 2023.
Last week, Horner said Verstappen's teammate Yuki Tsunoda would be given the rest of the season to show what he can do. Whatever happens, Mekies has to choose who will fill that seat for 2026.
One option is Isack Hadjar, the impressive rookie at Racing Bulls. However, Mekies was at Racing Bulls when Liam Lawson was first promoted, then sent back down with shattered confidence.
Office politics
Advertisement
Getting the best out of Red Bull means dealing with its internal politics.
In his previous role with Racing Bulls, Mekies worked with the 82-year-old Marko, who is employed by Red Bull's parent company and oversees both of its F1 teams. The Austrian is influential but his authority and position are vaguely defined.
Another influential figure who isn't a team employee is Jos Verstappen. The star driver's father is a regular presence in the paddock and wasn't afraid of criticizing Horner in public.
Since Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz's death in 2022, the parent company's shareholders in Thailand have shaped the direction of the team. They're rarely seen at races and avoid commenting in public.
Advertisement
Big changes in 2026
The most sweeping changes to F1 cars in a generation could reshape the sport.
Red Bull aced the last big regulation change in 2022 with a car designed by Adrian Newey. He left last year for Aston Martin, an ambitious team which has been planning for this moment for years. It's just one of several rivals with their eyes on Red Bull's place as a title challenger.
Mekies will need to get a quick grasp of Red Bull's plans for 2026 and a major expansion of its in-house engine production program, which includes Ford returning to F1 for next year as Red Bull's partner.
___
AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Lionesses to celebrate Euros win at Downing Street reception
The Lionesses are set to kick off celebrations in the UK with a reception at Downing Street after their dramatic penalty shootout win in the Euros final. The reception on Monday is due to be hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock, as the Prime Minister said the team had 'once again captured the hearts of the nation'. England defended their Euros title after beating Spain on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Basel, Switzerland, on Sunday. Players, coaches and FA representatives are to attend the Downing Street reception, Number 10 said. The Lionesses are then set for a homecoming open-top bus parade celebration in central London on Tuesday, followed by a ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. Confirming the Downing Street reception, Sir Keir Starmer said: 'The Lionesses have once again captured the hearts of the nation. 'Their victory is not only a remarkable sporting achievement, but an inspiration for young people across the country. 'It stands as a testament to the determination, resilience and unity that define this outstanding team. 'I'm delighted that the squad will be welcomed into Downing Street as the whole country marks this historic win and the lasting impact they are creating for the future of the game.' Ms Rayner said it will be 'a privilege to celebrate' with the team, with Ms Peacock adding that the Government is 'committed to playing our part to ensure this success translates into lasting change.'
Yahoo
3 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Celebrations in store as Lionesses successfully defend European crown
The Lionesses will celebrate their historic Euros victory with an open-top bus parade in central London and a trip to Downing Street, but there are no plans for a bank holiday. England fans erupted with joy across the country as the team defended their Euros title in a penalty shootout win over Spain in the final in Basel, Switzerland, on Sunday. Chloe Kelly scored the winning spot-kick following two huge saves from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, sending supporters in fan zones into raptures. The King said the team had the royal family's 'warmest appreciation and admiration' following their victory, adding: 'The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can.' The Downing Street reception on Monday is due to be hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. The team will then attend a homecoming celebration event on Tuesday, with a ceremony expected to take place outside Buckingham Palace. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the team's triumph, saying: 'The Lionesses have once again captured the hearts of the nation. 'Their victory is not only a remarkable sporting achievement, but an inspiration for young people across the country. 'It stands as a testament to the determination, resilience and unity that define this outstanding team.' There will be an open-top bus parade along the Mall before the ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial, the FA said. Fans can attend for free and it will be broadcast live on BBC, ITV, and Sky. However, it is understood Downing Street has no plans for a bank holiday to mark the Lionesses' triumph. Supporters stood on tables, waved flags, threw drinks in the air and excitedly hugged each other as England claimed victory, while the Prince of Wales and Sir Keir watched on from the stands in Basel. Alessia Russo gave the Lionesses hope of retaining their Euros title with her second-half equaliser after Mariona Caldentey netted the opener for Spain in the 25th minute. In a statement posted on X after the game, Charles said: 'This brings you, your manager and all your support team my most heartfelt congratulations on winning the Euros 2025. 'For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant 'football's coming home'. 'As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true. 'For this, you have my whole family's warmest appreciation and admiration.' The King added: 'More than that, though, you have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms. 'Well done, Lionesses.' A picture of the Prince of Wales with his arm around his daughter Princess Charlotte was posted to X following the presentation of the trophy to the Lionesses, with the caption 'champions of Europe'. The pair congratulated the team in a short statement, saying: 'What a game! Lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn't be prouder of the whole team. Enjoy this moment England.' The statement was the first message Charlotte has personally signed on the Prince and Princess of Wales's X account. Tower Bridge was lit up in red and white following the Lionesses' victory, the City Bridge Foundation said. Sir Keir was the first to congratulate England on their win – posting on X: 'Champions! Congratulations Lionesses – what a team. What a game. What drama. 'You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers.' William was spotted in the stands applauding and celebrating with those around him – including Princess Charlotte. As the presentation ceremony took place, the Prince of Wales was among those to congratulate star striker Michelle Agyemang on being named young player of the tournament. William exchanged words with Agyemang, appearing to say 'well played, fantastic, well done'. Agyemang, 19, who had one England cap before the tournament, scored crucial equalisers in the Lionesses' quarter-final and semi-final comebacks. There was non-stop applause in her home town of South Ockendon as fans saw the Arsenal forward step through a guard of honour to pick up her award. Supporters at her old club Brandon Groves AFC danced a conga line to the sounds of Vindaloo after England's victory. The club's vice-chairwoman, Paula Howes, said Agyemang will help give youngsters the 'motivation and drive' to progress from grassroots football to the top of the game. She said: 'I think she (Agyemang) has got that determination and that drive on the pitch, and the girls can connect with that. 'It is also knowing that she is a local girl as well, I think that helps give them the motivation and drive, to know that you can start at grassroots football and progress up to the higher level, if you work at it.' The National Autistic Society congratulated their ambassador Lucy Bronze on the Lionesses victory, adding: 'We hope she has inspired the next generation of autistic girls to follow their dreams.' Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also gave her reaction to the win, saying: 'What an absolutely extraordinary achievement by our Lionesses – once again they have made history and united the country with pride and joy.' England's path to the final was marked by late drama. They sealed their spot with a last-gasp extra-time win over Italy, following a penalty shootout victory against Sweden in the quarter-finals after nearly crashing out in extra time.
Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Yahoo
NBA rumors: Bill Simmons, Zach Lowe ponder Lakers-Heat LeBron James trade
The post NBA rumors: Bill Simmons, Zach Lowe ponder Lakers-Heat LeBron James trade appeared first on ClutchPoints. Could LeBron James be taking his talents to South Beach a second time? On a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Bill Simmons and ESPN's Zach Lowe explored a blockbuster scenario in which LeBron James is traded back to the Miami Heat, an idea that, while hypothetical, is gaining traction among NBA insiders. Although James is expected to begin the season with the Los Angeles Lakers, trade chatter has begun to simmer beneath the surface. As Simmons noted, 'It's kind of gotten quiet now after it was the talk of Summer League,' but added that he has a 'weird gut feeling' Miami could re-emerge as a serious landing spot should James decide to request a trade midseason. The scenario hinges heavily on the Lakers' performance. If the team falters out of the gate or suffers a catastrophic injury, a trade could become more realistic, especially since James can become a free agent after this season. According to Lowe, any deal would have to be favorable for the Lakers, possibly involving younger assets like Kel'el Ware. Would the Heat want to reunite with LeBron James? From Miami's end, the fit makes a lot of sense. The Heat are armed with expiring contracts. They have a strong locker room culture. Most of all, the Heat have a front office willing to act if the right opportunity presents itself. Despite planning for a bigger move in 2026, Pat Riley might find a James reunion too tempting to ignore if the four-time champion expresses interest. Of course, a return wouldn't come without baggage. LeBron James's 2014 departure from Miami strained his relationship with Riley, who publicly criticized the move. But time heals all wounds. The chance to chase another title together might overshadow the past. For now, it's just speculation. But the season is inching closer, and pressure is mounting in Los Angeles. This once-outlandish idea is beginning to look more plausible. If James wants one last title run, and the Lakers can't provide it, don't count out Miami. Related: Bill Simmons buys into Yang Hansen conspiracy theory amid Blazers sale buzz Related: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 10 greatest accolades, ranked