Christian Horner’s two-decade tenure as Red Bull Racing’s CEO and team principal came to an abrupt end on Wednesday, sending shockwaves through Formula 1. The energy drink conglomerate confirmed his immediate departure in a terse statement reported by the New York Times, praising his “tireless and exceptional work” since 2005 but offering no explicit reason for the decision. The move caps a tumultuous 18-month period marked by internal investigations, leadership controversy, and a wave of staff exits, leaving fans and analysts dissecting the implications for one of F1’s most dominant teams.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s star driver and four-time world champion, acknowledged Horner’s exit on social media, reflecting on their shared victories. “From my first race win to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes,” he wrote, stopping short of commenting on the circumstances of the leadership change. The team’s official gratitude contrasted sharply with the online frenzy that followed. Minutes after the announcement, platforms like X (formerly Twitter) erupted with memes, GIFs, and celebratory posts from fans. One user paired the caption “HORNER FINALLY OUT” with a clip from the F1 film’s podium celebrations, while others humorously tagged rival drivers like Pierre Gasly in posts mocking the dismissal.
The division among fans reflects Horner’s polarizing legacy. Despite being cleared earlier this year of allegations related to controlling and inappropriate behavior—claims he denied—the saga tarnished his reputation. Coupled with whispers of power struggles and a reported exodus of senior Red Bull personnel, many supporters viewed his exit as overdue. “This feels like accountability, even if it’s late,” remarked one forum user. Others framed the move as a potential bid to retain Verstappen, whose contract negotiations have fueled rumors of a 2026 switch to Mercedes. “Did Horner get sacked to stop Max from leaving, or because Max is already leaving?” pondered another commentator online.
The departure also underscores a generational shift in F1. At 18, Mercedes junior driver Kimi Antonelli has never seen a Red Bull team without Horner at the helm—a fact noted wryly by observers. While the team’s future direction remains uncertain, the drama has already become fodder for fans and media alike. With Netflix’s Drive to Survive cameras likely capturing the fallout, Horner’s exit marks not just the end of an era but the start of a new chapter in Red Bull’s high-octane saga.
