Formula 1 commentator Martin Brundle suggests that Max Verstappen is now “more likely” to remain with Red Bull following the team`s decision to dismiss Christian Horner on Wednesday.
Horner, who will be replaced by Laurent Mekies from Racing Bulls, had served as the head of Red Bull since its establishment in 2005. Under his leadership, the team achieved significant success, claiming six Constructors` Championships and eight Drivers` Championships.
The 51-year-old has not yet commented publicly on his dismissal. Brundle stated that Horner was reportedly not given a specific reason for his departure.
“It`s not entirely out of the blue, considering the issues within the team. I`m quite sad about it. I regard Christian as a friend, and he has done an outstanding job for 20 years,” Brundle told a news outlet.
“He`s won a huge number of races and world championships for both the drivers and the team. He guided the team from its origins as Stewart and Jaguar into a major facility in Milton Keynes, achieving tremendous success and amassing an extensive trophy collection.”
He added, “It wasn`t hard to feel or observe in the F1 paddock that things were not particularly harmonious.”
Brundle believes that the death of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022 triggered a prolonged power struggle which has now culminated in Horner`s sacking nearly three years later.
“Dietrich held 49 per cent ownership of Red Bull and started it with the Yoovidhya family,” he explained. “He was in absolute charge. Nothing happened without Mateschitz`s approval. He was the group`s undisputed leader. Since his death, things started to go wrong.”
Horner`s time at Red Bull over the last 18 months had been challenging, both on and off track. This included allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against him by a female colleague in February 2024, which were dismissed after an appeal last summer. Horner consistently denied the accusations.
Last year also saw public friction between Max Verstappen`s father, Jos, and Horner, which raised questions about Max`s long-term future at Red Bull.
This period coincided with Red Bull`s on-track advantage diminishing as rivals improved in 2024, although Verstappen still managed to secure his fourth consecutive drivers` title.
However, recently, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff revealed that he is in “conversations” with the Verstappen family about a potential high-profile move to Mercedes.
Addressing the impact of Horner`s exit on this situation, Brundle commented: “It potentially makes it more likely that the Verstappens [Jos and Max] will stay there. I think the dynamic had become quite personal.”
He continued, “Every point, podium, and victory Max achieves through his exceptional driving is in a Red Bull car. He has often said he wants to finish his career at Red Bull if possible. Significantly, they are launching their own engine for the first time next year, simultaneously with the biggest changes to F1 cars and power units in the sport`s history.”
“Christian was entirely responsible for that specific aspect of the team. Max has a contractual exit clause based on his position in the world championship standings at the end of this month.”
“Does this development mean he is more likely to leave or stay? Based on what I know, I can only infer that it increases his likelihood of remaining with the team.”
Brundle Praises Mekies` Work at Racing Bulls
Red Bull will commence a new chapter starting from the next F1 race in Belgium on July 25-27. Laurent Mekies will become only the second team principal in the outfit`s history.
Mekies initially joined Red Bull`s sister team, then known as Toro Rosso, as an engineer in 2006. He later moved to the FIA, serving as safety director in 2014 and deputy race director in 2017.
He then transferred to Ferrari in 2018 as sporting director before returning to the Red Bull organization at the start of 2024 to take on the role of team principal at Racing Bulls.
“We are increasingly seeing individuals with backgrounds like his becoming team bosses,” Brundle observed.
“Consider the excellent job Andrea Stella is doing at McLaren, or James Vowles at Williams – these are individuals with a technical background leading that side of the operations.”
“Laurent did a great job at Racing Bulls, and the Red Bull group recognized this and moved him into the senior role very quickly.”
Brundle also noted that Jonathan Wheatley, who likely had a strong interest in the Red Bull principal position, has moved to Sauber, which will become Audi, suggesting his ambition might have accelerated this move. “Alan Permane, who is taking over from Mekies at Racing Bulls, also possesses vast experience in the operational aspects of an F1 team,” Brundle concluded.
