Sebastian Vettel Reacts to Shocking Departure of Christian Horner from Red Bull: A New Era Begins!
In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world, Sebastian Vettel has broken his silence regarding Christian Horner’s unexpected exit from Red Bull Racing, labeling it a monumental surprise that signals the end of an era for one of the sport’s most formidable teams.
Horner, who has been at the helm of Red Bull since its inception in 2005, was abruptly replaced by Laurent Mekies in July 2025 during a dramatic mid-season management overhaul. This shake-up effectively closes the chapter on nearly two decades of unprecedented success that saw Red Bull secure six Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ titles, a legacy intertwined with both Vettel’s and Max Verstappen’s illustrious careers.
Speaking candidly to Sky Sports F1 at the 2025 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Vettel expressed his disbelief at the seismic shift within a team that had long been a beacon of stability. “It’s strange to think of Red Bull without Christian,” Vettel stated. “He’s been there from the very beginning and knows every corner of that team. What they achieved together speaks for itself. I was surprised, like most people, when I heard the news.”
Under Horner’s visionary leadership, Red Bull transformed from a midfield competitor into a dominant force in Formula 1. However, the winds of change began to stir in 2024 and early 2025, as internal disputes over the team’s direction, significant personnel departures, and questions about long-term leadership emerged. The exits of key figures such as Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley heightened the atmosphere of uncertainty, while growing speculation about Verstappen’s future added fuel to the fire.
The official announcement of Horner’s departure cited a “strategic restructuring” of leadership, with Mekies stepping in as CEO and team principal. But insiders suggest that this move was the culmination of deeper, underlying fractures within the team that had been simmering for quite some time. Despite having previously weathered an internal investigation into workplace conduct, Horner’s standing reportedly diminished in the eyes of Red Bull’s parent board.
Vettel, always the professional, took a moment to commend both Horner and Mekies. “Laurent is a great guy; I know him well, and he’s had success in the sport too,” he remarked. “But Christian’s shoes are very big ones to fill. He wasn’t just a manager – he was the heart of that team.”
Horner himself expressed his shock at the turn of events, revealing that he had wished to address his team personally to express his gratitude to everyone, describing his departure as emotional yet respectful.
Even after stepping away from racing at the end of 2022, Vettel remains an integral part of the Formula 1 narrative, with speculation swirling around a potential advisory role at Red Bull. For now, he insists he is content with his life outside of the racing circuit. “I still love Formula 1,” Vettel shared. “At first, I thought I needed a break, but I still follow the races and talk to the guys. It’s a sport I’ll always love. If the right opportunity comes along, maybe there’s a role I’d be happy to take – but it would have to feel right.”
Vettel’s remarks carry a weight of respect and intrigue regarding Red Bull’s future under new leadership. For a driver whose legacy is inextricably linked to the team’s golden era, his perspective underscores the monumental significance of Horner’s departure and the potential ripple effects that could reshape the landscape of Formula 1.
As a spectator, Sebastian Vettel remains closely connected to the unfolding story of Red Bull Racing, watching with bated breath as the team that once defined his career embarks on a new and uncertain chapter without the visionary leader who helped forge its destiny.








