Latest news with #Drivers'
First Post
a day ago
- Sport
- First Post
Christian Horner Sacked by Red Bull, Verstappen the Real Reason?
Christian Horner Sacked by Red Bull, Verstappen the Real Reason? | First Sports With Rupha Ramani Christian Horner Sacked by Red Bull, Verstappen the Real Reason? | First Sports With Rupha Ramani | N18G In a shocking move, Red Bull have SACKED team principal Christian Horner after nearly two decades at the helm. The mastermind behind the team's dominance with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen is gone — without an explanation. But is this really about performance or pressure from the Verstappen camp? With Red Bull falling behind in both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships, and tensions boiling over after the recent scandal, Rupha Ramani breaks down the power play that may have pushed Horner out — and why this might be a desperate move to keep Verstappen from jumping ship to Mercedes. Did Red Bull choose glory over loyalty and was Horner a scapegoat to save Max? See More
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Christian Horner dumped by Red Bull in F1 shocker
Eric Bolte-Imagn Images A new chapter begins in F1 history with the news this morning that Christian Horner has left his position as CEO and Team Principal of Red Bull Racing. Horner was fired from his position as CEO and Team Principal of Red Bull Racing after a successful two-decade tenure. The leadership of Red Bull Racing will now fall to Laurent Mekies, who previously ran the team at Racing Bulls. Under Horner's leadership since 2005, Red Bull has evolved into a dominant force, winning six Constructors' Championships and eight Drivers' titles. Despite the success Christian Horner helped lead at Red Bull, his tenure has been marred by controversy lately. An internal investigation cleared Horner of sexual harassment and coercive behavior allegations in 2024, but the leak of illicit, supposedly texted and imaged material certainly didn't sit well with Red Bull leadership. Red Bull's new engine partner, Ford, expressed its disappointment through two statements regarding the handling of the allegations and the insufficient level of transparency. The organization experienced internal conflicts, which led to the departure of essential staff members, including Adrian Newey. Advertisement Related: Max Verstappen and Red Bull in crisis as champion eyes exit Team's 2-year decline helped hasten Christian Horner's departure Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images What ultimately led to Christian Horner's departure was the faltering performance of Red Bull on the circuit. The team won 21 out of 22 Grand Prix during 2023, won 9 in 2024 and has achieved only two victories this season. The Constructors' standings now show McLaren in the lead position by a significant margin, indicating that Red Bull Racing faces a major strategic challenge. In addition to Horner's firing and performance issues, the team is also dealing with the distinct possibility that its top driver, Max Verstappen, could exercise an out clause in his contract after this season. Verstappen has been very public about his disappointment with the car this year and has seen his performance suffer over the past two races. Rumors of a jump to Mercedes have been hot recently, and early this season, so too were talks of the four-time F1 world champion. Advertisement Christian Horner being fired is just the first step of many in what looks to be a season of change for the once mighty and proud Red Bull Racing F1 team. Read More: F1 EARTHQUAKE: Max Verstappen's Red Bull Exit Looms with 'Astronomical' Price Tag as Mercedes Goes All In Related Headlines
USA Today
4 days ago
- Automotive
- USA Today
Why did Christian Horner get fired by Red Bull?
If you're waking up on Wednesday morning and you're a F1 fan, you're waking up to stunning news: Christian Horner, who has been the team principal at Red Bull for all of two decades ... has been fired. Why would the team fire a man who has led the team to six Constructors' Championships and who helped drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen win Drivers' titles? Let's start with the statement from Red Bull itself, per Formula 1: 'Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday 9 July 2025) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing,' said a Red Bull spokesperson. 'Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO Corporate Projects and Investments thanked Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.' 'We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,' added Mintzlaff. 'With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1. 'Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.' Let's go over what else might be happening here: Why would Red Bull fire Christian Horner now? Let's start with performance: Red Bull won Constructors' titles in 2022 and 2023, but the team finished third behind champions McLaren and runners-up Ferrari last season. This year? Red Bull is a dismal fourth, not at all what the expectations are given that they have Verstappen -- arguably the best driver on the grid, in his prime. Perhaps that means you have to point to the car's performance, and that's on Horner and his squad. But maybe there's more going on behind the scenes than we know about. There have been rumblings about Verstappen leaving for Mercedes if he can use a clause in his contract to get out of his Red Bull deal. And if the best driver in the world -- how do you replace a talent like him? -- is unhappy? Well, that might be on Horner too. There was an investigation into Christian Horner's behavior in the workplace There were allegations about how he treated a woman who worked for Red Bull. But he stayed with the team after the allegations were dismissed. From Motorsports Wire: The allegation, which was first levied at Horner on Feb. 5, was investigated by Red Bull's parent company, Red Bull GmbH. Horner was cleared of those allegations on Wednesday, four days out from Formula 1's season opener in Bahrain. As such, Horner will remain team principal and will be present when the team hits the grid for the race on March 2. It is still unknown exactly what the allegation against Horner was. A female employee accused Horner of what has been described as "controlling and inappropriate behavior", though the details have not been officially described. Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf wrote in an article that the allegations regarded sexual misconduct, but a new report from London-based newspaper The Times reported Wednesday that such complaints were not levied against Horner. It's hard to say if all of that is another reason why he was on a shorter leash with Red Bull, but perhaps. Who is Alan Permane, who is Christian Horner's replacement? He was the Racing Bulls racing director this year and got promoted. He previously worked for Alpine as their sporting director. Who is replacing Christian Horner as Red Bull Racing CEO? That would be Laurent Mekies, who was team principal at Racing Bulls.
NDTV
4 days ago
- Automotive
- NDTV
Red Bull Racing Sack Team Principal Christian Horner With Immediate Effect, End 20-Year Relationship
Six-time Formula 1 world champions Red Bull Racing have sacked long-time team principal and CEO Christian Horner after 20 years. Horner, who joined the team at its inception in 2005, has spearheaded the team to eight World Drivers' titles and six World Constructors' titles during his time. However, Horner has now been sacked with immediate effect, amidst a drop-off in performance during the ongoing 2025 F1 season, which has seen lead driver Max Verstappen fade away from the title battle. Red Bull have promoted Laurent Mekies and Alan Permane to the positions of CEO and team principal respectively, from sister team Racing Bulls. Red Bull have sacked team principal and CEO Christian Horner effective immediately, bringing an end to a highly decorated 20-year tenure at the helm of the Formula One team. The shocking news comes amidst what has been a turbulent year for Red Bull. After the departure of highly influential figures Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley and Rob Marshall, Horner becomes the latest to leave the team. 'The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter. It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people. The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning. "Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path. He knows the team inside out and has always been an important pillar of our early successes," Mekies said in a statement. In January 2005, Horner was appointed to head the team, becoming the youngest team principal on the grid at the time. Christian's first win as an F1 team principal came at the 2009 Chinese Grand Prix, a breakthrough that would lead to five more victories that season. Horner led the team to six Constructors' Championship title and eight Drivers' title since. Oliver Mintzlaff, managing director of Red Bull, said, "We'd like to thank Christian for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing RBR as one of the most successful and attractive teams in F1" There has been turbulence in the Red Bull garage since the beginning of 2024. With rumours of Max Verstappen potentially leaving Red Bull for rivals Mercedes in 2026, this news further adds to the speculation on a potential exit for the reigning four-time world champion.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
McLaren hold firm in the rain as Hulkenberg ends 239-race wait to step up
Nico Hulkenberg got to pop the campagne for the first time on Sunday, after finishing third at the British GP, after a 18-year long wait. Photo: AFP Image: AFP Silverstone delivered its signature drama once again — the skies wept, the wind whispered uncertainty, and strategy sheets were tossed into chaos. On a rain-slicked circuit that punished hesitation and rewarded nerve, McLaren stood tall, extending their grip on both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships. Lando Norris capitalised on teammate Oscar Piastri's misstep to seal his first British Grand Prix victory. A 10-second time penalty for Piastri — handed down for an unsafe restart that hampered Max Verstappen — reshuffled the order behind the safety car, allowing Norris to cut the championship gap to just eight points. With the rain coming and going, teams were forced into constant recalculations, leading to a flurry of pit stops and non-stop action. As the season barrels toward its second half, here are three standout takeaways from Silverstone. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading A mental tug-of-war at McLaren could decide the championship Piastri may have led the early charge, but Norris is no longer just hanging on — he's pushing back. The Silverstone win wasn't handed to him; it was seized with composure and pace when it mattered most. While Piastri's error at the restart cost him dearly, it also highlighted the fine margins that now define this battle. As McLaren dominate the field with a car that's clearly ahead of the pack, the title fight is becoming less about machinery and more about mental steel. One slip could swing the momentum entirely — and as the season turns toward its closing stretch, it's not just about who is faster, but who can withstand the pressure. "First of all, congratulations to Nico! It's a special day for the team and, even though my own race didn't go to plan, I am proud to be part of this. I'll keep working hard and hopefully be up there as well someday." - @gabortoleto85 💚#BritishGP 🇬🇧 — Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber (@stakef1team_ks) July 7, 2025 Hulkenberg finally breaks duck The 37-year-old was rewarded for persistence and patience with a memorable result — his first-ever Formula One podium and Sauber's first since 2012. His third-place finish, coming in his 239th race, was a long-overdue reward for years of solid drives without the luxury of top-tier machinery. He's quietly had a respectable season, collecting 37 points in a Sauber not expected to contend for top finishes. At Silverstone, he capitalised on the mixed conditions and chaotic moments to secure third place. With Audi set to take over the team in the near future, the podium finish could be a significant boost to Hülkenberg's case for a seat next year. For now, it stands as a career-defining highlight for one of the grid's most resilient veterans. A tricky day at Silverstone with conditions that kept us guessing 😅☔️ Not the result we wanted, but the fight was there, and we brought home valuable points 💪 Results 🏁: NOR, PIA, HUL, HAM, Max 🫶, GAS, STR, ALO, ALB, RUS#F1 || #BritishGP 🇬🇧 — Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) July 6, 2025 Red Bull remain a one-man operation It's been a frustrating campaign for Red Bull, who look a shadow of the team that dominated the Constructors' Championship in recent years. Max Verstappen continues to fight at the front, but the lack of support from a competitive teammate is hurting the team on multiple fronts. Once again, the Dutchman was left without backup at Silverstone. While he salvaged fifth place, Yuki Tsunoda struggled again, finishing 15th and adding no value to the team's overall effort. Tsunoda replaced Liam Lawson earlier this year in what should have been a promotion, but the move has yielded little return. He's yet to make an impact in qualifying or race pace, and with just 10 points to his name, the Japanese driver sits fifth from bottom in the standings. As Ferrari and Mercedes continue to gain momentum, Red Bull's chances of closing the gap fade with every race — and unless they fix their second seat issue, they'll remain off the pace in both championships.
