Martin Brundle, the Sky Sports F1 commentator, believes that Christian Horner`s dismissal as Red Bull team principal on Wednesday makes Max Verstappen “more likely” to stay with the team.
Horner, who will be replaced by Laurent Mekies from Racing Bulls, had been at the helm of Red Bull since its establishment in 2005. During his tenure, he oversaw the team secure six Constructors` Championships and eight Drivers` Championships.
While Horner (51) has not yet publicly commented on his departure, Brundle stated that Horner was reportedly not given a specific reason when he was informed of his sacking.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Brundle acknowledged that the news wasn`t entirely unexpected, given the known internal issues within the team. He expressed his sadness, describing Horner as a friend who had done an “incredible job” over two decades.
Brundle praised Horner`s immense success, highlighting the numerous race wins and championships for both drivers and the team. He noted how Horner transformed the operation from its origins as the Stewart and Jaguar teams into a major force based in Milton Keynes, boasting a vast collection of trophies.
According to Brundle, it was widely understood within the F1 paddock that the situation at Red Bull was far from smooth.
Brundle suggested that the power struggles that arose following the death of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022 ultimately led to Horner`s sacking almost three years later.
He explained Mateschitz`s role as a 49% owner and the driving force who founded the company with the Yoovidhya family. Mateschitz was the undisputed leader whose approval was essential for all decisions, and Brundle observed that problems began to surface after his passing.
Horner`s final 18 months in charge were turbulent, both on and off the track. He faced an internal investigation concerning allegations of inappropriate behaviour made by a female colleague in February 2024, which were dismissed following an appeal last summer. Horner consistently denied the accusations.
Last year also saw a public disagreement between Max Verstappen`s father, Jos, and Horner, which raised questions about Max`s long-term future with Red Bull.
This period coincided with Red Bull facing increasing pressure on track in 2024 as rival teams improved their performance, although Verstappen still managed to secure his fourth consecutive drivers` championship.
More recently, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff revealed he had engaged in “conversations” with Max Verstappen`s representatives, fueling speculation about a potential high-profile move to Mercedes.
Brundle commented on this, saying, “It perhaps makes it more likely that the Verstappens [Jos and Max] will stay there. I think it became quite personal.”
He emphasized Max`s connection to Red Bull, where he has achieved all his success through what Brundle called “his own genius driving.” Max has often expressed a desire to see out his career at Red Bull if possible. Brundle also pointed out the significant technical transition the team is undergoing, developing their own engine for the first time next year – a major simultaneous change to both car and power unit in F1 history – an aspect Horner was heavily involved in leading.
Brundle also noted that Max has a contractual exit clause linked to his position in the championship standings at the end of the current month.
“Does this mean he`s more likely to go or stay? I can only surmise it means he`s more likely to stay at the team,” Brundle concluded.
Brundle Praises Mekies` Work at Racing Bulls
Red Bull is set to begin a new chapter under Laurent Mekies, only the second team principal in the outfit`s history. Mekies` career includes stints as an engineer at Red Bull`s sister team (then Toro Rosso), roles at the FIA as safety director and deputy race director, and sporting director at Ferrari, before returning to lead Racing Bulls at the start of 2024.
Brundle highlighted the growing trend of technically-minded individuals taking on team principal roles, citing Andrea Stella at McLaren and James Vowles at Williams as examples.
He praised Mekies` performance at Racing Bulls, stating that his success there likely led Red Bull to promote him. Brundle also mentioned that Jonathan Wheatley, who might have been a candidate for the Red Bull role, has moved to Sauber (which will become Audi), suggesting that his ambition for Horner`s position may have expedited this move. Alan Permane is taking over from Mekies at Racing Bulls, bringing extensive operational experience to the role.
Marcus Prine