Breaking: Horner’s Absence Confirmed ahead of 2025 Italian GP due to…read more
Christian Horner’s Future at Red Bull Confirmed Despite 2025 Struggles
Christian Horner’s position as team principal of Red Bull Racing has been reaffirmed, despite a turbulent start to the 2025 Formula 1 season and ongoing speculation about his potential departure. Rumors had been circulating that Horner could be replaced, possibly as soon as after the upcoming Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, following Red Bull’s noticeable dip in performance this season. However, sources at GPFans have confirmed that Red Bull has no plans to part ways with Horner and that he remains under contract until the end of the decade.
The Milton Keynes-based team has been experiencing a rare slump in form, with McLaren dominating the 2025 campaign thus far. Of the six races held, McLaren has won five, leaving Red Bull with just a single victory courtesy of Max Verstappen at the Japanese Grand Prix. This sharp decline has triggered internal criticism, with both Verstappen and long-time Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko publicly voicing their dissatisfaction with the car’s performance.
Despite these issues, Red Bull appears fully committed to Horner, who has been with the team since its inception in 2005. As the team approaches a milestone 400th Grand Prix in Italy, Horner remains at the helm, having overseen every race in their history. Under his leadership, Red Bull has achieved tremendous success, including eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles, cementing their legacy in the sport.
Recent Austrian media reports named possible replacements for Horner, suggesting that either former AlphaTauri (now Racing Bulls) boss Franz Tost or recently departed Alpine principal Oliver Oakes could be in line to take over. However, these claims have been dismissed by insiders as speculative and inaccurate.
Horner’s position had previously been under scrutiny in 2024 when a female employee accused him of inappropriate conduct. Although Horner denied the allegations and was ultimately cleared after an internal investigation, the incident created friction within the team. Tensions arose between Horner and the Verstappen camp, including Helmut Marko, but those relationships have reportedly improved since then. Red Bull managed to regain focus during the second half of the 2024 season, successfully guiding Verstappen to his fourth consecutive world title.
However, the 2025 season has not followed the same trajectory. At the Miami Grand Prix, Red Bull was significantly off the pace, with Verstappen finishing over 30 seconds behind race winner Lando Norris, despite securing second place. The Dutch driver now trails McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by 32 points in the drivers’ standings. With Red Bull no longer holding a clear advantage, the development of their car will be critical if they hope to contend for a fifth title with Verstappen.
In the face of growing pressure and a stronger field led by McLaren, Red Bull is opting for continuity. By standing behind Horner, the team signals its belief that his leadership remains vital, even amid adversity. With a landmark race at Imola on the horizon, Red Bull is preparing to celebrate its legacy while fighting to reclaim its dominance.
