Christian Horner, the former team principal of Red Bull Racing, has dismissed claims that his departure from the organization last year was influenced by the Verstappen family. In a revealing interview featured in the upcoming season of Netflix’s acclaimed series, Drive to Survive, Horner addressed the tensions that preceded his exit, which took place amid significant internal struggles within the team.
Horner, who had been a pivotal figure at Red Bull Racing since its establishment in 2005, left the team following a series of conflicts, including a very public rift with Jos Verstappen, father of reigning world champion Max Verstappen. The situation escalated to the point where Jos Verstappen chose to avoid the Formula 1 paddock entirely for a period. Despite these tensions, Horner firmly stated, “I don’t believe that the Verstappens were responsible in any way” for his departure.
His exit was unexpected and marked a significant shift in the dynamics of the team. Horner had been at the helm during Red Bull’s rise to prominence in Formula 1, but the death of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022 triggered a power struggle within the organization. Following Mateschitz’s passing, tensions grew between Horner and the Austrian side of the business, which is controlled by Mateschitz’s son, Mark Mateschitz.
Horner explained that his role as CEO encompassed both racing and commercial activities, a position that some within the team found increasingly problematic. “It was all rather sudden. I didn’t really get the chance to say a proper goodbye,” he expressed, highlighting the abrupt nature of his exit.
The leadership changes were orchestrated by Oliver Mintzlaff, a Red Bull executive, with advice from Helmut Marko, a long-time advisor who also parted ways with the team. Horner suggested that the shift in control following Mateschitz’s death contributed significantly to the decision regarding his position. He stated, “After Dietrich’s death, I think probably I was deemed to have maybe too much control.”
Horner’s comments in the documentary, set to premiere on February 27, 2024, provide insight into the complex web of relationships and power struggles that characterize the high-stakes world of Formula 1. As Red Bull Racing navigates this new chapter, the implications of Horner’s departure are sure to resonate throughout the upcoming season and beyond.
The revelations about Horner’s exit illustrate the intricate dynamics of team management in Formula 1, where personal relationships often intertwine with business decisions. As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes unfold on and off the track.
