Sebastian Vettel comments on the Red Bull shake-up – The former world champion was surprised by the departure of the long-time team boss.
Former Formula 1 driver Sebastian Vettel has expressed his “surprise” at Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull Racing earlier this year. The German, who won his four world championship titles under Horner’s leadership at Red Bull between 2010 and 2013, emphasized that the Briton had “left big shoes to fill” for new team principal Laurent Mekies.
Horner was replaced as managing director and team principal of Red Bull on July 9, 2025, before formally leaving the team on September 22, 2025, after reaching a separation agreement. Former Racing Bulls team principal Mekies took over Horner’s role at the Milton Keynes site.
“I’m surprised. I mean, Christian has been there for so long, since the very beginning, and knows this team inside out,” Vettel told Sky Sports F1 during one of his rare appearances on the sidelines of the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Horner’s future open
“I think everything was in place for this year. I also know Laurent, the success, and have worked with him, he’s a really, really great personality. But I think Christian left big shoes to fill, not only because of all the success he had with the team, but also because he was such a central part of the team. He knew what was going on and so on.”
“I don’t know the organization, the structure, and, above all, the plan for the future completely. But I think it’s appropriate to say here: Let’s wait and see how it develops.”
It is assumed that the agreement reached between Horner and Red Bull would allow him to return to the championship in 2026 should he find a suitable position.
Horner is knocking on every door
Aston Martin team boss Andy Cowell explained ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix: “I spoke to Lawrence [Stroll, owner of Aston Martin F1] this morning to find out what he knows.”
“It looks like Christian is calling pretty much every team owner at the moment. I can clearly say that there are no plans for Christian to be involved in an operational or investment role in the future.”