By ZECH YODER
As Formula 1 heads into its summer break, there was no shortage of drama, none bigger than the departure of long-time team principal and CEO Christian Horner from Red Bull Racing, effective immediately.
Horner was Red Bull’s only team principal, serving in the role from Red Bull’s formation in 2005 until his firing this week. Under his leadership, Red Bull has claimed eight Drivers’ Championships, six Constructors’ Championships, and 124 race wins. Next to perhaps Toto Wolff of Mercedes, Christian Horner has been the most successful team principal in Formula 1 in the 21st Century. His departure from Red Bull was both surprising and highlights the extraordinary decline in Red Bull over the last two years.
Just two years ago, Red Bull had arguably the best season in Formula 1 history, winning all but one race. With its dominance and in accordance with the Formula 1 regulations, Red Bull has had the least amount of time to develop its car in the wind tunnel.
More significant was the departure of car builder and aerodynamic genius Adrian Newy. Newy’s contributions to Red Bull cannot be empathized enough. If Horner was Belichick, Newy was Brady. Without Newy, much of Red Bull’s success would not have been possible.
Since the middle of 2024, the teams’ struggles have been oblivious. While Verstappen was able to claw his way to a fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship in 2024, Sergio Perez struggled and Red Bull lost the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren.
The struggles have compounded this year. Verstappen has shown his unbelievable talent by driving well above the capabilities of the car, taking two wins and four poles. Yet, he sits in third places, miles behind McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Verstappen’s teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, finds himself in 17th place and has been utterly ineffective in figuring out the Red Bull car. Though, Yuki’s lack of pace may be a better reflection of Verstappen’s generational skill more than Tsunoda’s inability to perform.
Regardless, Red Bull is in trouble. The firing of Horner may have been the last straw for Verstappen. His contract will expire at the end of the season. One week ago, I would have bet that Verstappen would be in a Red Bull in 2026. Now, my money is on him leaving. We have never seen Red Bull in a rebuilding phase like they appear to be now. Verstappen is a racer and wants to compete for championships. As it stands now, he cannot. I think Verstappen is out at the end of 2025.
Might he follow Adrian Newy to Aston Martin? I wouldn’t be shocked.
Zech Yoder is a local resident, an attorney at Adler Attorneys in Noblesville, and a lifelong race fan.