In the wake of Red Bull Racing’s bombshell announcement on Wednesday confirming the immediate dismissal of long-time team principal and CEO Christian Horner, Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle shared his thoughts on the abrupt departure, expressing a mix of sadness and acknowledgment that the move wasn’t entirely unexpected.
Horner’s ousting brings to an end a 20-year reign at the helm of Red Bull Racing, a tenure during which he oversaw the team’s transformation from struggling midfielders into one of Formula 1’s dominant forces.
His replacement will be Laurent Mekies, who moves over from the sister Racing Bulls team. The Frenchman’s role there will be filled by current racing director Alan Permane.
“Not Particularly Rosy”
Reacting to the news in a Sky Sports broadcast shortly after Red Bull’s announcement, Brundle acknowledged that Horner's exit may not have shocked the paddock quite as much as fans around the world.
“I don't think it's completely out of the blue, given things that are going on and the sort of problems in the team, words getting out of team Verstappen and others,” Brundle explained.
"I'm quite sad about it if I'm honest, I consider Christian a friend and he's done an incredible job for the last 20 years — won an awful lot of races, and championships for drivers and for the team.”
Brundle praised Horner’s vision and leadership in building Red Bull from its earliest days into a Formula 1 powerhouse.
“And he took it from what was the Stewart team through Jaguar, and it was struggling, to a massive campus in Milton Keynes and an awful lot of success and a huge trophy cabinet.”
Despite this legacy, Red Bull’s 2025 season has been marred by challenges. The team has slumped to fourth in the constructors’ standings, struggling to maintain the blistering pace of previous years.
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The end of an era: Horner’s exit leaves Red Bull at a crossroads
Speculation surrounding Max Verstappen’s future has added to the turmoil, with rumors swirling that the Dutch driver could activate an exit clause to join Mercedes. The team has also faced difficulties in finding a second driver capable of matching Verstappen’s performance in the car.
“It's not been difficult to feel in the Formula 1 paddock, and to observe, and to hear, that things were not particularly rosy,” added Brundle.
“I believe it’s probably performance related. There are a number of aspects but particularly the car. It is struggling, although they have won races brilliantly this year.
“I am due to speak to Christian later. I put a message to him saying ‘I am sorry to read this, can we have a chat before I am due to go on TV because I want to know more about it from his point of view’.
“He wasn’t able to do that. What he did say was that no reason was given to him as to why he is being released. That’s the only information I have.”
Max Verstappen with his manager, Raymond Vermeulen.
In the Verstappen camp, the Dutchman's manager, Raymond Vermeulen, issued a brief statement in which he says that it is up to Red Bull to divulge the reasons for the sudden turn of events.
“We have been informed in advance by Red Bull’s management that this decision has been taken,” Vermeulen said, quoted by De Telegraaf.
“It is up to Red Bull to give a further explanation, as to the rationale.
“We continue to look at the sporting side and are looking for more performance so that we can return to the top. In that respect, nothing will change,” he insisted.
End of an Era
Horner exits the Red Bull Racing garage with an extraordinary legacy: 124 race victories, six constructors’ titles, and eight drivers’ championships with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
But the instability that has gripped the team in the past 17 months – from political infighting to declining performance – finally appears to have caught up.
As Red Bull navigates this seismic shift, all eyes will be on Mekies to steer the team back to its winning ways.
Horner’s departure marks the end of an era for the team that redefined modern Formula 1, leaving the paddock to ponder what lies ahead for both Red Bull and its former leader.
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