Why some Red Bull sponsors were ‘not happy’ with crucial aspect of Christian Horner’s sacking

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Red Bull are about to enter a new era of leadership for the first time in 20 years after the sacking of Christian Horner ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.

The Briton was relieved of his duties despite Max Verstappen earning a pole position at the team’s last race at Silverstone. Problematically, they lie fourth in the constructors’ championship.

If there was a time to make significant changes ahead of the 2026 F1 regulations, the sooner they come, the better for Red Bull.

It offers them a chance to try and establish some stability after Horner’s departure, with new boss Laurent Mekies primed to make changes.

Some Red Bull staff feel Horner deserved better after dedicating so much to the Milton Keynes-based outfit over the last 20 years.

But Mekies does give Red Bull a ‘clean slate’, which is something they might have needed after struggling to develop their car over the last 18 months.

READ MORE: Ralf Schumacher says Max Verstappen is now ‘very open’ to Red Bull stay after chiefs make ‘extremely good move’

Red Bull sponsors were ‘not happy’ with how Christian Horner’s exit was handled

With Horner now ‘talking’ to an F1 team, he might already be plotting a return to the grid in the near future.

Mekies’ ‘best use’ at Red Bull may be to help develop Yuki Tsunoda after arriving from Racing Bulls, where the two enjoyed a good partnership in 2024. That would immediately improve spirits at the team.

Some spirits have been dampened by Horner’s departure, including those of the team’s sponsors, according to The Race.

They report that sponsors have been left ‘not happy’ with how the ex-team principal’s departure was handled.

He was a critical part of their operation, and to cut him loose so suddenly was a big move. It could be difficult to replace everything he did for them.

READ MORE: Jolyon Palmer says Red Bull staff are internally worried about one thing after Laurent Mekies replaced Christian Horner

Why Christian Horner’s departure could end up being good for Red Bull

Red Bull may have to pay Horner £110 million just to finalise his exit, but it could end up being a good thing for their future.

It’s no secret that Mercedes want to sign Verstappen, but decentralising powers at the team could make him more open to remaining there now.

If they lost the reigning champion, their operation would be severely weakened. It would be hard to consider them a front-running team anymore.

So if it’s a move that helps them to retain the four-time champion beyond 2026, then it’s very likely to be a welcome one for the time being.