Red Bull ‘sources’ now have a theory about who’s spreading Christian Horner sack rumours

Christian Horner’s future at Red Bull has come under the spotlight in recent times. Their dominant period in the ground-effect era is well and truly at an end.

The Bulls overwhelmed Ferrari in 2022 and then produced the most dominant season ever in 2023. Max Verstappen managed to extend his title streak last year even though his car slipped to third in the pecking order from the summer onwards.

But this season, even an all-time great like Verstappen may not be able to win the championship. McLaren’s dominant package has won five out of six Grands Prix and left the Dutchman more than 30 seconds adrift in Miami last time out.

Despite a series of upgrades, Red Bull have failed to cure the handling ills that have plagued their car for around a year. There are signs that the team are suffering from the loss of legendary designer Adrian Newey and pit-stop maestro Jonathan Wheatley.

Meanwhile, the second-driver chaos continued in March as Liam Lawson lost his seat just two races after replacing Sergio Perez. Yuki Tsunoda has been an upgrade, but has only delivered three points.

A recent report has claimed that Red Bull’s Imola upgrade will be ‘decisive’ for Horner’s future. He has delivered 14 championship trophies, but there’s talk that patience is wearing thin.

Red Bull suspect that Christian Horner detractors are trying to overshadow milestone

Writing his newsletter, Daily Mirror journalist Daniel Moxon reports that neither Chalerm Yoovidhya, Red Bull’s 51% majority shareholder, nor Mark Mateschitz, who owns the other 49%, want Horner gone.

The Milton Keynes outfit will celebrate their 400th race at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this weekend. They will be the fifth team on the grid to hit that milestone after Ferrari, McLaren, Williams and Sauber.

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And Red Bull ‘sources’ suspect that Horner’s detractors may have started those rumours to ‘distract’ from the landmark. The team used a special livery at the Japanese GP in April to mark their final visit as a Honda customer, but it’s unclear if they’ll do the same this weekend.

Horner is the longest-serving team principal on the F1 grid and has already led Red Bull through multiple tough periods in the past. Clearly, the ownership has confidence that he can do so again.

Will Red Bull sack Christian Horner if they lose Max Verstappen?

Verstappen’s future is uncertain amid Red Bull’s regression. It would be a monumental blow if he were to leave, particularly in light of how much his teammates have struggled.

While he’s under contract until 2028, Verstappen’s deal includes an exit clause that may become active this summer. If the sporting threshold is met, it will test the superstar driver’s faith in Horner and the team.

However, Planet F1 report that Red Bull will retain their team principal even if Verstappen walks. He may then have to find another A-lister to lead the team.

For now, other team bosses may be in greater danger. For instance, Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur could come under a ‘lot of pressure’ if the team can’t escape their fourth-place hole.