Red Bull now fear a ‘personnel haemorrhage’ if Christian Horner joins opposing F1 team

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Red Bull have parted with some of their most influential figures in the last 18 months. The exodus began with Rob Marshall, who left at the end of 2023 to join McLaren.

Lead designer Adrian Newey followed, tendering his resignation in the spring of 2024. Within weeks, it was announced that Jonathan Wheatley was joining Audi to head up their F1 project.

Another seat on the pit wall will soon be vacant after chief strategist Will Courtenay was poached by McLaren. Courtenay is obliged to remain with Red Bull until the end of the year.

The loss of these key figures may well have contributed to the sacking of Christian Horner. But according to Motorsport Italy, there are now fears of an even greater exodus.

F1 insiders warn of Red Bull exodus after Christian Horner sacking

Red Bull’s top management know there will be a ‘backlash’ after axing the longest-serving team principal on the grid. Some Red Bull staff were crying as Horner delivered his farewell address at the factory.

What they ‘fear most’ is a ‘personnel haemorrhage’ if the 51-year-old joins an ‘opposing team’ on the grid. Communications chief Paul Smith and marketing boss Oliver Hughes, close allies of Horner, were both relieved of their duties earlier this month too.

There are very different views on Red Bull’s trajectory within the world of F1. Some foresee ‘very difficult times’, some are even ‘convinced’ that the six-time constructors’ champions will ‘implode’, but others are confident in Horner’s replacement, Laurent Mekies.

The report states that Helmut Marko will ‘enjoy his revenge’ from this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix onwards. He had previously been involved in a power struggle with Horner.

Christian Horner ‘would like’ to join this team, but they’re not interested

McLaren boss Zak Brown hinted that Red Bull made the right decision by firing Horner. While he wasn’t sure about the timing, he says the drama at the team appeared to be getting out of control.

The Milton Keynes outfit need stability now, though. And the one thing that would settle the team most is superstar driver Max Verstappen committing for another year.

As for Horner, rumours already abound about his next destination. His 124-win CV made this an inevitability.

F1 insider Ralf Bach says Horner ‘would like’ to join Ferrari, but is set to be overlooked. The Scuderia will reluctantly renew the contract of Fred Vasseur instead.