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Christian Horner Steps in for Sebastian Vettel in Red Bull Test Run
Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner recently replaced four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel during a special test run. A video shared by Red Bull on YouTube revealed Horner stepping into the spotlight, driving Vettel’s 2012 championship-winning car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The event, held as part of Red Bull’s 20th-anniversary celebrations, initially had Vettel scheduled to take part. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the German driver was unable to attend, leaving Horner to fill in. This marked Horner’s first time driving a Red Bull Formula 1 car and his first F1 experience since 1993.
“I haven’t driven one of our cars before, and it’s been decades since I drove a Formula 1 car,” Horner confessed in the video. “I’m standing in for Sebastian Vettel—what could possibly go wrong?” Despite his initial apprehension, Horner described the experience as “something quite special,” highlighting the car’s smooth power delivery and seamless gear shifts. “Absolutely brilliant,” he added, admitting he didn’t want the run to end.
Horner’s colleagues couldn’t resist teasing him after the run, particularly when he admitted he struggled to find the pit entrance upon completing his lap.
This lighthearted moment comes amid a challenging period for Red Bull. The team, which has seen immense success since Horner took charge in 2005, faced a difficult campaign last season. While Max Verstappen managed to secure the drivers’ championship despite a mid-season dip in form, the team lost the constructors’ title to McLaren. This marked McLaren’s first constructors’ victory since 1998, dealing a significant blow to Red Bull’s dominance.
The team’s struggles were largely attributed to inconsistent performances from Sergio Perez, who has since been replaced by rising star Liam Lawson. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Horner expressed hopes that the lineup change will help them reclaim their position at the top.
With Red Bull determined to bounce back, the team principal’s unexpected stint behind the wheel offered a brief yet meaningful reminder of the cars that brought them historic victories. Fans will now look forward to seeing if Red Bull’s revamped team can deliver a stronger performance in the new season.
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