Christian Horner Replaces F1 Champion...

Christian Horner Replaces F1 Champion…read more

In a surprising turn of events, Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, was recently seen behind the wheel of one of the team’s historic Formula 1 cars, taking the place of a four-time world champion during a test session. The video, which was published by Red Bull, showcased Horner stepping into the cockpit of the 2012 championship-winning car that helped Sebastian Vettel secure his third consecutive title. This move came during the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, where Red Bull was celebrating its 20-year anniversary.

The 51-year-old has been at the helm of Red Bull Racing since 2005, a period that has seen the team achieve remarkable success, with Vettel’s dominance in the early 2010s and Max Verstappen’s recent title victories. Horner, known for his leadership through both triumph and adversity, is hoping that the upcoming season will signal a return to dominance after a difficult 2024 campaign.

A Challenging 2024 Season

While Max Verstappen managed to secure another drivers’ championship in 2024, it was a season marked by challenges for the team. After a mid-season dip in performance, Verstappen regained his form to finish on top, but Red Bull was unable to defend its constructors’ title. McLaren, a team that had undergone significant changes over the past few seasons, managed to clinch its first constructors’ championship since 1998, defeating Red Bull for the coveted trophy.

The disappointing constructors’ result was largely attributed to the underwhelming performances of Sergio Perez. The Mexican driver struggled throughout the season, and despite some strong showings, his inconsistency ultimately cost Red Bull valuable points. As a result, Red Bull made the decision to replace Perez for the upcoming season, opting to promote Liam Lawson, a talented young driver from their development program, to the race seat.

Horner has admitted that the past 12 months have been frustrating for the entire team. Despite Verstappen’s individual success, the overall performance was not up to the standards set by the team in previous years. Now, with Lawson stepping in, Horner hopes that a fresh driver lineup can help Red Bull reclaim its dominant position in Formula 1.

Horner Behind the Wheel

Amidst these developments, Red Bull released a video that captured a moment of lightheartedness and nostalgia. The clip featured Horner driving the very car that had delivered Sebastian Vettel his 2012 World Championship—a crucial year in Red Bull’s F1 legacy. Vettel had been scheduled to drive the car during the Goodwood event, but due to unforeseen circumstances, he was unable to participate.

As a result, Horner stepped into the role of driver, an unusual position for a team principal. In the video, Horner can be heard admitting that he hadn’t driven a Formula 1 car since 1993, making this a rare and exciting opportunity for him. “I’m standing in for Sebastian Vettel, so what could possibly go wrong?” he joked, acknowledging the surreal nature of the moment.

Horner seemed to thoroughly enjoy the experience, expressing his surprise at how smooth the car’s power delivery and gear shifts were. “To drive around a Grand Prix circuit in one of our winning cars is something quite special,” he said. “What really surprised me was just how smooth the power delivery and gear shifts were. Absolutely brilliant, I didn’t want to stop.”

The video also captured Horner’s playful interactions with his colleagues in the garage, where he humorously confessed to having trouble finding the entrance to the pits after completing his run. His colleagues teased him about the minor mishap, making light of the situation and highlighting the camaraderie within the Red Bull team.

A Look Ahead

Horner’s brief stint behind the wheel was a lighthearted moment for a team that has faced its share of challenges. Red Bull Racing is gearing up for the 2025 season with a renewed focus, hoping that the change in drivers and the lessons learned from the previous season will propel the team back to the top. Verstappen’s consistent dominance remains a key asset, and with Lawson now alongside him, the team will be hoping to strengthen its performance and rebuild its legacy after losing the constructors’ title.

Red Bull’s strong track record under Horner’s leadership means that they are likely to bounce back quickly from any setbacks. The team has consistently adapted and evolved, and with Verstappen’s ongoing success, they are always a formidable contender for both drivers’ and constructors’ titles. As the 2025 season approaches, the team is poised to begin a new chapter, with hopes high that they can reclaim the championship crown that eluded them in 2024.