Christian Horner upset Red Bull after what he told FIA president about McLaren rubbed people the ‘wrong way’

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Christian Horner and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s relationship may have been among the reasons why Red Bull have sacked their F1 team principal and CEO.

The Austrian energy drink giant is remaining tight-lipped on the precise reason why Red Bull sacked Horner after 20 years in charge. But his dismissal follows a year of decline and a host of internal disputes, with Horner said to have targeted even greater control within the team.

Horner often clashed with Red Bull GmbH’s motorsport adviser Helmut Marko in his pursuit of power following the death of co-owner Dietrich Mateschitz. Horner also helped to set the path which saw Adrian Newey leave, having often downplayed the design icon’s importance.

Max Verstappen entertaining interest from Mercedes also likely helped Red Bull decide that the time had arrived to fire Horner, with the Dutchman yet to commit to staying in the 2026 F1 season. Verstappen’s contract runs through 2028, yet it includes multiple release clauses.

Christian Horner ‘rubbed people the wrong way’ telling Mohammed Ben Sulayem ‘wild theories’ about McLaren’s car

Shortly after the news broke on Wednesday morning, Horner told Martin Brundle that Red Bull sacked him without saying why. The 51-year-old learned on Tuesday night that he was being relieved of his command effective immediately, with Laurent Mekies taking his place.

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Now, BBC Sport reports that Horner’s relationship with FIA president Ben Sulayem may have also been one of the reasons for why Red Bull have sacked the native of Leamington Spa. He had become increasingly aligned with Ben Sulayem this year and often had the Emirati’s ear.

Horner used his closeness to Ben Sulayem to lobby ‘wild theories’ about why McLaren have been so competitive during the 2025 season. Yet his actions ‘rubbed people the wrong way’ and added to the discontent from Horner siding with Ben Sulayem’s quest to return to V10s.

Rival teams believe Horner aligned himself with Ben Sulayem in wanting to use V10 engines again over fears that Red Bull’s engine for the 2026 F1 regulations will not be as competitive as Mercedes’ new power unit. But it was an ‘unwise’ decision given Red Bull’s ties with Ford.

Red Bull will build their first in-house power unit for the 2026 F1 regulations, so established a technical partnership with Ford to gain its help with the electrical and hybrid aspects. So, it is unlikely that Ford would have liked Horner’s attempt to return to naturally aspirated engines.

Christian Horner’s V10 engine wish was ‘unwise’ given Ford’s commitment to Red Bull

Ford agreed to partner with Red Bull owing to the 2026 F1 regulations increasing the amount of electronic power from the current 20/80 split to 50/50. But expectations are rife that Red Bull will struggle with their first in-house unit, having seen Honda leave to join Aston Martin.

Horner was in charge of Red Bull Powertrains, as well as Red Bull Racing, so will know where the Milton Keynes outfit are at in terms of the development of their 2026 engine. But siding with Ben Sulayem in trying to get naturally aspirated V10 engines back was not a wise move.

Seemingly, Red Bull also did not like Horner’s efforts to use his and Ben Sulayem’s closeness to tout theories for why McLaren are beating them this season. Horner leaves Red Bull with the team fourth in the F1 constructors’ standings on 172 points, while McLaren lead on 460.

Red Bull have bombarded the FIA with complaints about McLaren’s car this term, including scrutinising the way that their rivals from Woking have been able to cool their rear tyres. It was also said earlier this season that Red Bull sent the FIA a wild letter about cooling tricks.