Furious Christian Horner contacted Sky to complain about what big-name F1 pundit was saying about him

Christian Horner is one of the most successful team principals in Formula 1 history. But that hasn’t stopped him coming under heavy scrutiny this season.

Red Bull appointed Horner ahead of their F1 debut in 2005. Since then, he’s overseen eight drivers’ titles – four for Sebastian Vettel and four for Max Verstappen – and six constructors’ crowns.

But the team’s period of dominance is now over. Going back to Verstappen’s victory at last year’s Spanish GP, they have won just four of the last 23 races.

They slipped to third in the constructors’ last year and are currently on course for fourth, albeit just 15 points behind Mercedes in P3. Verstappen can’t be ruled out of contention for the drivers’, but even he may struggle to overcome the considerable deficit to McLaren.

Red Bull’s upgrades have failed to meaningfully close the gap, which many have linked to the departure of longtime designer Adrian Newey. And the team are also making uncharacteristic operational mistakes after sporting director Jonathan Wheatley joined Sauber.

In addition, Horner has been unable to find a competitive teammate for Verstappen. Three different drivers have held the seat in the last 10 Grands Prix, and their ceiling seems to be the lower reaches of the points.

Christian Horner put pressure on Sky over Ralf Schumacher comments

Sky Germany’s Ralf Schumacher has been one of Horner’s leading critics. The six-time Grand Prix winner has worked for the broadcaster since 2019.

Most recently, Schumacher has even urged Verstappen to leave Red Bull if Horner stays. He believes the Englishman has already cost the team ‘important employees’ like Newey and Wheatley.

According to F1-Insider, Horner has ‘long been annoyed’ by Schumacher’s coverage. He even complained to Sky bosses in an attempt to ‘get rid’ of the 49-year-old.

Clearly, this was unsuccessful. Schumacher has also incurred the wrath of Helmut Marko lately, though it’s unclear if that will stop the motorsports advisor carrying out interviews with the network.

Former Red Bull colleague seemed to be ‘gloating’ at Christian Horner in Spain

Even as he faces questions over his future at Red Bull, Horner has been linked with Ferrari. Fred Vasseur has also come under fire for his team’s regression this season.

Horner refused to confirm or deny whether he’s held talks with the Italian marquee. It’s said that ‘alarm bells are ringing’ at Red Bull after an approach was made.

For now, his primary focus will be on reigniting Verstappen’s championship bid. There was some hope at Red Bull that the flexi-wing clampdown at the Spanish GP would curb McLaren’s dominance.

But Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris still cruised to a one-two finish. Ex-Red Bull engineer Rob Marshall seemed to ‘gloat’ to Horner on the F1 grid after defecting to the title leaders.