Gary Anderson thinks Christian Horner let a ‘perfect’ Red Bull partnership end that’s created a new long-term issue

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Red Bull are undergoing a complete reset in the middle of a Formula 1 season as they look to rectify a poor run of form.

Christian Horner’s sudden departure was a shock to the Formula 1 paddock, just days after Max Verstappen registered a pole position at the British Grand Prix.

But that wasn’t enough for Red Bull, who promptly decided that he should be axed after the race, paving the way for ex-Ferrari man and Racing Bulls boss Laurent Mekies to take his position.

They have left it late to make significant changes ahead of the 2026 F1 regulations, but it may be a case of better late than never for the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

Red Bull staff were upset at Horner’s exit and had to say a quick goodbye to a man who led them through thick and thin for 20 years.

Horner’s sacking hasn’t impacted Helmut Marko’s future, and the Austrian looks set to remain with the team until at least the end of next season. They won’t lose another integral part of their success soon.

READ MORE: Christian Horner was forced to give up one key role by his biggest ally before Red Bull sacking

Christian Horner let a ‘perfect’ Honda partnership with Red Bull go and it has created a long-term issue

Red Bull want to stop Verstappen joining Mercedes, and it could be disastrous for their programme if he does leave. There won’t be anyone to perform any more miracles.

Losing Honda could be a real dent to their ambitions of winning the constructors’ championship again in the future. There’s a question over whether their own engine will be good enough.

The Race’s Gary Anderson questions whether Horner failing to negotiate a new deal with Honda was a critical moment for the team. It’s too late to turn back now.

“Currently, the relationship with Honda is perfect, so why throw that away? Yes, Honda did initially decide to leave F1, opening the door to this situation before recommitting, but Red Bull should have immediately tried to do a new deal,” he said.

“The problem now is it’s like a huge oil tanker going the wrong way, it’s way too late to change course.

“I’m not convinced this is all down to Horner, given making decisions with Helmut Marko looking over your shoulder must be difficult, but as team principal you are the one who takes responsibility for success or failure.”

READ MORE: Christian Horner ‘destined’ not to land F1 return that Lewis Hamilton would hate after Red Bull sacking

How much experience does Christian Horner’s replacement have?

While Horner was quite the extrovert and outgoing personality, his replacement is a little more within his shell.

Mekies started life in Formula 1 with Arrows, before moving to Minardi, which became Toro Rosso in the mid-2000s.

He lasted there until he moved to the FIA in 2014 to become a safety director, before a transfer to Ferrari in 2018 saw him eventually promoted to deputy team principal.

In 2023, he left them to take up a position as Racing Bulls’ boss, and now he has been promoted to Red Bull to lead their efforts for the future.