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Horner Fired. Verstappen Rumors Swirl. Red Bull’s House of Cards Is Shaking.
Christian Horner has been fired from Red Bull Racing after 20 years, eight drivers' titles, and six constructors’ titles - but the real story might be who they’re trying to keep.
A bombshell at Red Bull felt inevitable - but we all thought it would be Max leaving for another team, not Christian getting fired.
And yet, here we are.
After 20 years, six constructors’ championships, and eight drivers’ titles, Christian Horner has officially been let go by Red Bull Racing. The man who turned a fizzy drink company into one of the most dominant forces on the Formula 1 grid is out - and no one, including Christian himself, knows exactly why. Literally. When asked, Horner said he hasn’t been told the reason.
Wait… Why Was He Fired?
Let’s recap. Horner was accused in 2024 of inappropriate behavior by a female employee. Red Bull GmbH (the Austrian parent company) cleared him after an internal investigation, despite a wave of backlash and an ongoing appeal. Leaked messages followed, trust eroded, and the team’s inner circle started showing fractures - especially between Horner, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, and Max Verstappen’s father, Jos.
If Horner wasn’t fired for the scandal, what else could be big enough to result in his dismissal?
One theory gaining traction: Max is actually leaving, and Christian’s firing is a punishment for letting their golden boy slip away. With Verstappen holding the keys to the team’s future - and almost every title-winning stat - Red Bull’s leadership may be scrambling to reshuffle before it’s too late.
No official explanation has been released. But F1 itself broke the news before Red Bull even had the chance, which feels like a very pointed snub for someone who’s led them to 124 wins and hundreds of podiums. A cold goodbye for a man who built the empire.
Internal Tensions, Power Plays, and a Very Expensive Exit
Beyond the scandal, it’s no secret there’s been growing tension at the top. Insiders say Horner was making moves to consolidate more control - a strategy that didn’t sit well internally. Red Bull is a team full of strong personalities, and Christian’s charm offensive may have finally worn thin.
Still, don’t feel too bad for him. Horner is reportedly seeking a full payout of his contract, which runs until 2030 - and could net him a cool £50 million on his way out the door.
Why Now?
Simple: Red Bull are slipping. Stake F1 - the team that finished dead last in 2024 - has scored more points than Red Bull over the last four races. Max is frustrated. The midfield is surging. The dominance is cracking.
So, is this a last-ditch attempt to keep Max? A new leadership structure, a change of direction, a little “look, we’re serious about fixing this” energy?
Or is it too late? The paddock rumor mill is in overdrive, with Verstappen reportedly fielding offers and many believing a move is already signed and sealed - most rumors pointing to Mercedes.
Red Bull’s Era Might Be Ending
Regardless of what comes next, one thing’s clear: fortunes in Formula 1 can change fast. Red Bull ruled the last two years like a monarchy. Now, they’re scrambling just to stay in the conversation. Max may be gone. Christian is gone. And the team that once looked untouchable suddenly seems… very touchable.
F1 is brutal like that.
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