David Croft ‘led to believe’ that Christian Horner was sacked ‘halfway through’ crucial Red Bull sponsor talks

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Red Bull’s ownership had to consider the reaction of numerous parties before deciding whether to sack Christian Horner. The decision was reportedly driven by the energy drink brand’s Austrian management, with the backing of Thai shareholders.

One imagines that Max Verstappen was consulted. It’s been made clear that Verstappen did not ask for Horner to be sacked, but there’s no indication that he pushed for him to stay either.

It was also important that the decision didn’t create lasting divisions. Many Red Bull staff still feel a loyalty to Horner, and only time will tell whether they rally behind Laurent Mekies in the same way.

And then there are the commercial considerations. It’s emerged that some Red Bull sponsors were not happy with the handling of Horner’s exit, which may have damaged the team’s image.

David Croft says Red Bull were still in talks with title sponsors before axing Christian Horner

Red Bull’s most important sponsor of all is Oracle. The computer technology company have paid £223m over five years for a place in the team name.

The two parties have entered talks over an extension, having reached their previous agreement in 2022. Sky Sports commentator David Croft believes they were about 50% of the way to reaching a deal when Horner was abruptly removed.

It’s unclear what effect, if any, this will have on talks. But Croft is surprised that Red Bull didn’t complete the deal before making such a seismic change.

The key decision-makers have thus far refused to speak publicly on the matter. Helmut Marko is the most senior spokesman to address it, but his role is only advisory.

“I was surprised at the timing, I must admit,” said Croft during FP1 at the Belgian Grand Prix. “I’m led to believe that the team were around halfway negotiations with their title sponsor around renewing the contract as well.

“You’d think that before departures are announced, you’d get that deal wrapped up. The decision was made, but hopefully we’ll hear from the senior players in that story who have made that decision to explain it.”

Martin Brundle has discovered the explanation for Red Bull firing Christian Horner

According to Martin Brundle, Red Bull sacked Horner for commercial reasons. The 51-year-old refused to give up control over that side of the business.

That would suggest that he had been leading the discussions with Oracle, and that the responsibility will now shift to Austria.

Indeed, Mekies’ role won’t be as extensive as Red Bull reshape their model. The Frenchman has stepped up from sister team Racing Bulls.

Red Bull are expected to appoint a CEO who will sit above Mekies in the pecking order, emulating McLaren’s structure. Zak Brown has been credited with bringing legions of sponsors to Woking.