Explained: 18‑months of tension that led to Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull

Why was Christian Horner removed? He was one of Formula One’s most successful team principals, leading Red Bull for 20 years during which the team secured eight drivers’ and six constructors’ titles. That makes his sudden ousting all the more shocking

At first glance, Horner’s departure on Wednesday (July 9) appears abrupt, arriving just days after Max Verstappen’s fifth-place finish at the British Grand Prix. In reality, it’s a culmination of issues simmering for at least 18 months .

The turning point came in February 2024, when a female employee accused Horner of sexual harassment and controlling behaviour. Despite being twice cleared by internal inquiries, the allegations eroded his authority and intensified pre-existing power struggles

Performance on track mirrored the discord. Red Bull currently languish fourth in the constructors' standings, with Verstappen trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by 69 points midway through the seasonSeen as possibly the best driver in F1, Verstappen’s future has come into question despite a contract until 2028, as rival teams, notably Mercedes, attempt to entice him away

Off-track turmoil intensified this climate. After Dietrich Mateschitz’s death in late 2022, Horner clashed with long-standing adviser Helmut Marko. Verstappen backed Marko in March 2024, reportedly threatening to walk if he was removed

Another blow came with Adrian Newey’s exit in April 2024. The design genius, frustrated by Horner’s diminishing recognition of his work, left for Aston Martin. The departure coincided with a sharp drop in Red Bull’s dominance: from winning four of the first five races in 2024 to just five victories in the next 25.

Further senior departures followed: sporting director Jonathan Wheatley joined Sauber/Audi in July, and head of strategy Will Courtenay has agreed to move to McLaren. These exits left Red Bull destabilised during a crucial rebuilding phase.

In the face of declining performance, internal fractures, high-profile resignations and the spectre of Verstappen’s potential departure, Red Bull’s leadership evidently decided Horner’s tenure had become untenable.

A perfect storm of on and off-track issues — serious allegations, power struggles, technical departures and sliding results — led to Horner’s exit. What once seemed abrupt now appears an overdue reckoning.