Sebastian Vettel SHOCKED by Christian Horner’s Bombshell Departure from Red Bull: “Huge Shoes to Fill!”
In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the world of Formula 1, former champion Sebastian Vettel has expressed his surprise over the abrupt exit of Christian Horner from Red Bull Racing. The iconic team principal, who played a pivotal role in Vettel’s monumental success, officially left his position on September 22, 2025, following a settlement agreement reached on July 9, 2025. This marks the end of an era for Red Bull, a team that soared to unprecedented heights under Horner’s leadership from 2010 to 2013.
Vettel, who secured four consecutive championship titles during this golden age, spoke candidly during a rare appearance at the Brazilian Grand Prix. “Surprised. I mean, Christian has been there for so long, since the very beginning and knows this team inside out,” he remarked, highlighting the deep-rooted connection Horner had with the organization. The German driver emphasized that Horner’s departure leaves behind “big footsteps” for new team chief Laurent Mekies, who steps into a role laden with expectations and history.
Horner’s exit has left many in the F1 community questioning the future of the team. Vettel noted the significance of Horner’s contributions, stating, “Not just because of all the success he’s had with the team, but also I think he was such a central part of the team. He knew what was going on and so on.” With the stakes higher than ever, Mekies faces the daunting challenge of navigating the team through the uncertainty that lies ahead.
While the exact details of Horner’s future remain shrouded in speculation, it has been revealed that the settlement allows him to potentially re-enter the championship in 2026, provided he finds a suitable position. Aston Martin team principal Andy Cowell shed light on the situation, revealing that Horner has been in contact with various team owners. However, he made it clear, “I can clearly say there are no plans for the involvement of Christian in an operational or investment role in the future.”
As the dust settles on this dramatic shake-up, all eyes will be on Red Bull Racing and Laurent Mekies to see if they can uphold the legacy built by Horner. With the competitive landscape of Formula 1 evolving rapidly, the question remains: Can Red Bull continue to dominate, or will Horner’s absence be felt too deeply? One thing is certain—this is a story that has just begun, and motorsport fans around the globe are eager to see how it unfolds.
