If you thought Red Bull’s 2025 season was a rollercoaster, this bombshell explanation from the top takes it to another level. Christian Horner, the man who built the team from the ground up since 2005, got the boot earlier this year amid a tough stretch on track. Now, Red Bull boss, Oliver Mintzlaff, has broken his silence, laying out the hard truths behind the decision in a candid interview.
Red Bull Boss Reveals Why Christian Horner Was Sacked
The move came right after the British Grand Prix, when Red Bull hit a rough patch that had fans and insiders questioning everything. Horner oversaw epic wins, including multiple world titles with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen’s dominance. But Mintzlaff made it clear: past glory doesn’t buy future success. “We knew we had to do something,” he told De Telegraaf. “I’m not a hire-and-fire manager, but you can’t keep relying on history.”
Mintzlaff stood firm, calling it a 100% backed call by the leadership. The team needed a fresh chapter to shake off the slump, even if it meant parting with a legend. Laurent Mekies stepped in from Racing Bulls, and Red Bull bounced back strong. Verstappen nearly snagged a fifth straight title, finishing just two points behind Lando Norris.
Everyone at Red Bull respects Horner’s track record, from the eight constructors’ crowns to turning the squad into a powerhouse. Yet, Mintzlaff stressed this is a professional outfit. Performance dipped, tensions brewed, and action was essential to protect the project’s future. “It wasn’t an easy decision, but we didn’t make it overnight,” the Red Bull boss added. The focus shifted to racing purity under Mekies, who handles fewer off-track duties.
Helmut Marko echoed the performance woes as the main trigger, noting the sacking followed a London meeting post-Silverstone. Red Bull’s car struggled early in 2025, exposing weaknesses despite Verstappen’s grit. The change paid off, closing gaps in the standings and setting up big plans like their 2026 power unit push.
This revelation quiets some rumours but highlights F1’s brutal side; no one is untouchable. Horner leaves as a giant, but Red Bull eyes ahead. With Verstappen still in the hunt and new eras looming, the energy drink giants aim to reclaim the throne. Stay locked in as the drama unfolds into 2026.
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