But this was a decision at least 18 months in the making. Horner, in charge for two decades, will go down in F1 history as one of the sport’s greatest team bosses. Yet his long-standing grip on Red Bull Racing had been slipping for some time.
Horner’s future was first put in doubt when it was revealed in February last year that a female staff member had accused him of sexual harassment and coercive, controlling behaviour. Twice, he has been cleared of the charges by internal Red Bull inquiries.
There is a lot more to Horner’s death than that incident, the outcome of which is still unknown. But it provided additional impetus to the equation that resulted in Red Bull’s choice. Considering Red Bull’s current situation, it is nearly impossible to think that Verstappen is the current world champion.
Verstappen – in the opinion of nearly all F1 people, the best driver in the world – is in third place in the championship, 69 points behind the current leader, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, at the midway point in the season.
The Dutchman has not won more than two races this season. He won four out of 24 races throughout last year. Red Bull are fourth in the constructors’ championship – or last of the top four – with no clear means of bettering their position.
Meanwhile, Verstappen’s future is uncertain. Horner has been stressing that the driver is contracted until 2028. But that has not prevented Mercedes from flirting with him.
In the event of his departure, with Red Bull in their current situation in terms of performance, it would be potential armageddon for the team. He has tallied 165 points this season. Their second driver has tallied only 10.
So, what do we hear about what happened and what went down before he left? Well, whereas Red Bull were keeping their own counsel on Wednesday, much is known of the backstage manoeuvring, with power struggles, disagreements, and worry over decisions concerning car and driver.
