Paukenschlag shortly before the summer break in Formula 1: Team boss Christian Horner leaves Red Bull. The team was recently far behind the expectations. A successor has already been determined.
The Formula 1 World Championship team Red Bull separates with immediate effect from team boss Christian Horner. The 51 -year -old Brit still has a valid contract until 2030, according to reports that a resolution agreement is currently being negotiated. Laurent Mekies, who recently led the sister team Racing Bulls as team boss, will be the successor.
Horner has not been indisputable at Red Bull since an affair about supposedly inappropriate use of an employee since the previous year. The sporting crisis of the recent months increased the pressure on Horner, which has led the team over the past 20 years.
Red Bull only fourth strength at best
Already in the previous season, the next title win with series world champion Verstappen was difficult. This year the Dutch was only able to win two of the twelve races, especially compared to McLaren. In the design classification, Red Bull took fourth place this year, and Verstappen’s World Cup chances recently sank significantly.
This sporting misery recently also led to rumors about the future of Verstappen, whose contract expires at the end of the season. Internally, Dr. Helmut Marko as a close confidant of the Dutch. The fact that Horner is now leaving the team could indicate that Marko remains – and may be an argument for Verstappen to stay with Red Bull.