What would the Red Bull Formula 1 team look like without Christian Horner? How would Max Verstappen’s departure affect the team? If Red Bull had to choose between Horner and Verstappen, who would they prioritize?
To answer the last question first, this depends on whether we are considering the short or long term. Verstappen would likely continue to dominate races for the team in the next year or two, even without Horner. However, the team structure, recruitment choices, and leadership are crucial to maintaining their long-term success.
Replacing Horner would be a significant challenge for Red Bull. He has been with the team since its early days and his vision has shaped its growth and success. The team’s base in Milton Keynes has become a huge facility, housing not only the racing team but also the Red Bull Powertrains engine factory. Horner’s role has evolved from managing a small team to overseeing thousands of employees and significant investments.
Red Bull Racing has maintained its agility and simplicity, thanks to the freedom granted by the late co-owner Dietrich Mateschitz. However, with Mateschitz’s passing, there are concerns about whether the team can sustain its independence and financial stability. Red Bull’s success has been attributed in part to its freedom from corporate controls, unlike teams like Ferrari.
While current sporting director Jonathan Wheatley may handle the racing side, filling Horner’s business role would require someone with corporate experience. Red Bull GmBH, the controlling company, would likely play an active role in the search for a suitable candidate. However, this increased corporate involvement could affect the team’s long-term operation.
These changes could also affect the team’s ability to attract and retain top talent. With such a major change, rival teams may try to lure the core technical team. Even Verstappen, who is under contract until 2028, has been the subject of rumors considering a move to Mercedes as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton. Although this may be a tactic to pressure Red Bull GmBH, unexpected moves are not uncommon in Formula 1.
The relationship between Red Bull and Verstappen has never been as close as some may assume. Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, used the interest from Red Bull and Mercedes as leverage during contract negotiations. The power dynamics have always favored the driver in this case.
Without Horner or Verstappen, Red Bull Racing would suffer a significant blow. Although the core technical team may maintain the team’s competitiveness, replacing Verstappen with a driver of his caliber would be impossible.
It is evident that the Red Bull Racing we know, with Horner leading the team and Verstappen dominating on the track, is changing. Although the team may continue to dominate in the short term, it is hard to see this as anything other than the beginning of the end of their dominance in Formula 1.
