Christian Horner sacked!

[Mekrel]

I really wonder what has gone on here? Could it be the Verstappen camp have had Horner's exit as a condition of signing a new contract, or the other way round where they know they're losing Max and he's getting the blame?

Last year was very interesting where they secured the driver's championship for Max, but at the cost of the constructors because no one else can deliver in that second seat.

Max is a very interesting piece for any team. He's clearly an incredible driver, but does it weigh the car in too far in one direction that it risks the constructors?

 

[Feek]

Updated the thread title, as it's now officially confirmed.

 

[el_dazza]

That's a terrible shame.. said nobody ever.

 

[Resident]

Laurent Mekies is taking over.

Be interesting if that's a permanent change or just interim.

 

[Moley]

Horner to Ferrari next then....?

 

[Trusty]

Ferrari could probably do with a new team principle, and Horner's lewdness is very Italian. Sooo?

 

[shifty_uk]

I really wonder what has gone on here?

Yeah, did an independent legal team not brush it under the carpet and acquit him of any wrongdoing? How do you go from that to this?

Must be more at play..

 

[Kelt]

Horner to Ferrari next then....?

That might not be a bad shout.

 

[koolpc]

Maybe Max phoned in this morning to say he's signed with Mercedes and Horner has been given the boot for failing to secure his services?

Like him or loathe him, I would expect to see a bit of a downturn in performance from Red Bull - whatever your opinion on him or his methods, delivering 15 top 3 constructors finishes in the last 16 seasons, including 6 titles is a mightily impressive record and will be very hard act to follow.

That could very well be plausible. You never know.

Wouldnt surprise me to hear that Max is leaving Red Bull.

 

[el_dazza]

Horner to Ferrari next then....?

Horner in charge of Hamilton.. I didn't have that on my silly season bingo card

 

[Junglist]

There were rumours a week or so ago Max wouldn't stay with Christian at the helm. Bonkers stuff.

CH is a tit and not likeable but you'd have to be beyond biased to not see he has been one of the greatest TPs

 

[ChrisD.]

I have my own thoughts on him, however as a TP I think he's done an excellent job.

 

[booyaka]

Poor performance this season - no surprise really.

I think the board have been looking for a reason to sack him with everything else that has gone on.

Rumour of Max leaving, the whole "scandal" etc - the poor performance is just the nudge they were looking for to get rid of him.

Max will now be promised the world under a new boss of his choice.....

 

[steve45]

Makes Flavio Briatore look like a decent human being and that is saying a lot. I am more surprised he managed to make it out alive after cheating on his wife more than anything.

It will be interesting to see if the team was all down to him or if they will get better after this.

Easily one of my most disliked people involved in F1 in any way. Comes across as a complete 4 letter C word. Guy seemed to radiate toxicity. He wont be missed by many.

I doubt there will be any immediate effect on the team. I suppose other than making them a little more likable.

Horner to Ferrari next then....?

Ferrari could probably do with a new team principle, and Horner's lewdness is very Italian. Sooo?

Insert "No god please no" meme

 

[Slam62]

Let’s face it the team has fallen apart under his watch.

 

[LizardKing]

Probably the culmination of losing Adrian, the scandal, atrocious 2nd car performance and the risk of loosing Max. There no denying he his performance as a team principal is great but he's also cost them hugely in the last few years.
Would love to have been a fly on Totos wall when he learnt of this.

 

[ChrisD.]

What's the bet?

 

[Kelt]

Probably the culmination of losing Adrian, the scandal, atrocious 2nd car performance and the risk of loosing Max. There no denying he his performance as a team principal is great but he's also cost them hugely in the last few years.
Would love to have been a fly on Totos wall when he learnt of this.

''No, Christian, noooo!''

 

[GravyMonster]

Does this all but confirm Verstappen to Merc then? Rats leaving the sinking ship etc

 

[cuke2u]

Maybe Max phoned in this morning to say he's signed with Mercedes and Horner has been given the boot for failing to secure his services?

Like him or loathe him, I would expect to see a bit of a downturn in performance from Red Bull - whatever your opinion on him or his methods, delivering 15 top 3 constructors finishes in the last 16 seasons, including 6 titles is a mightily impressive record and will be very hard act to follow.

Agreed, whatever opinion some might have, and some very much incorrect, he still precided over an era of red bull's greatest success.
Unless he has signed for another team a grave error of judgement has taken place and f1 will be in a worse place. I don't doubt all the haters will come out with their fake statements.