The unthinkable has happened. Christian Horner has officially left Red Bull after agreeing to a $100 million severance package with the organization. Horner had been at Red Bull since the beginning of its F1 journey, and for the first time in 20 years, other F1 teams will be able to sign the veteran team principal.
Why Was Christian Horner Fired?
Horner came on board when the team inherited Jaguar’s spot in the F1 paddock in 2005. Since then, he’s overseen two dynasties. The first run saw Sebastian Vettel win four straight titles starting in 2010, with Max Verstappen now matching that streak from 2021.
Not even the most ambitious sports gambler could have foreseen Horner being forced out of Red Bull a year or two ago, but a chain of events have brought us to this point.
Red Bull’s performance has dipped in recent months, and many believe Horner’s troubles off the track have played a role in the team’s slump.
It all began in February 2024, when a female Red Bull staff member accused Horner of inappropriate behavior.
To make things worse for Red Bull, Adrian Newey announced that he would leave the team. The star designer was not linked with the scandal, but he chose to move on anyways.
Red Bull wasn’t having a great time on the track as well. McLaren started to close the gap and eventually they dethroned Red Bull against the odds to win the 2024 Constructors’ Championship.
Verstappen was bagging wins as usual, but his teammate Sergio Perez failed to impress week in, week out. This meant Red Bull could not retain the constructors’ crown.
Perez was let go afterward, and Liam Lawson was promoted to the team to take up the second seat, but he only lasted a few months. Results did not pick up, and the slump continued even after Yuki Tsunoda replaced Lawson as Verstappen’s partner.
“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” said Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s CEO Corporate Projects and Investments, after Horner's dismissal was made official.
“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,” he added.
Where Will Christian Horner Go Next?
If you know how to choose the best betting apps in Canada, then you’ll have no problems finding the perfect platform to bet on Horner’s F1 destination. The odds should be made available soon since his departure has been officially announced.
Of course, Horner can choose to retire right now if he wants, since he has pocketed a colossal amount as compensation from Red Bull. But an F1 veteran like Horner is unlikely to sacrifice his need for speed so soon. After all, he is only 51 years old.
Now this leaves us with the all-important question: where will Horner go next? Here are his best options.
1. Ferrari
Horner joining Ferrari would be a fantasy come true for many fans. Ferrari boss John Elkann is a big fan of Horner. Trouble is, the odds for Ferrari welcoming the champ will be quite long since Fred Vasseur has penned a new deal with them only a few months back. Relieving him early to bring in Horner would be expensive.
But Ferrari might entertain the idea if results do not improve. The Scuderia was unable to win any races as of the Azerbaijan event weekend, and the pressure on Vasseur is mounting after Lewis Hamilton’s poor start to his Ferrari career. Hamilton has failed to grab a podium finish in his first 17 races of the season.
2. Alpine
Sportsbooks should assign shorter odds on Alpine bringing in Horner. Flavio Briatore, who calls the shots at the team, described Horner as a “competitor on the track, but also a friend off track” when Horner was initially relieved of his Red Bull duties in July.
Alpine needs someone experienced to come in and guide the team’s evolution into one of the most successful teams on the grid. Also, they are struggling with their second driver and using new engines from next season.
All this suggests Horner would be the perfect pick for the Alpine team principal. Enstone, the team’s base, happens to be near Horner’s Oxfordshire home too - make of that what you will.
3. Aston Martin
Horner would meet a familiar face in Adrian Newey if he chooses to join Aston Martin next summer. Newey and Horner shared a good relationship when the duo was at the Silverstone-based outfit.
However, what makes this move tricky is Aston Martin’s eagerness to poach Verstappen from Red Bull. The Dutchman’s camp did not enjoy working under Horner in the later years, so that means the Aston Martin move is less likely for Horner.