The future of Christian Horner as team principal of Red Bull Racing is once again under scrutiny following a series of reports from European media, suggesting his potential dismissal after the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, scheduled for May 18 in Imola. The Austrian newspaper Österreich stirred the paddock by speaking of a “quake” in the energy drink team, pointing to internal tensions and underwhelming results as key causes of this possible exit.
While Red Bull has maintained its presence in the 2025 season with a win by Max Verstappen in Suzuka, dominance has shifted to McLaren, with five victories between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Pressure has mounted not only due to modest results, but also because of internal rifts dating back to 2023, when Horner was investigated for alleged misconduct. Although he was cleared and backed by Thai shareholders, rumors of his replacement—with names like Franz Tost and Oliver Oakes in the mix—have continued to circulate.
A decision that could be made in Imola
According to Österreich, Horner’s future could hinge directly on Red Bull’s performance in Imola, where a new set of technical updates will be introduced to the RB21. Although the team has worked on gradual improvements since Saudi Arabia, no revolutionary package is expected—only targeted tweaks to the suspension and floor of the car. A lack of solid results could lead Chalerm Yoovidhya, the team’s main shareholder, to withdraw his support for the British director, despite his historic tenure that includes over 120 wins and multiple world titles.
Nevertheless, other specialized outlets like GPFans and Planet F1 deny the existence of a short-term plan to replace Horner. They claim his contract runs through 2030 and that, despite being third in both championships, Red Bull is not facing a structural crisis. Moreover, Horner not only leads the F1 team but also heads key areas like Red Bull Advanced Engineering and Powertrains, both crucial for the joint project with Ford for 2026. In this atmosphere of tension and uncertainty, Imola could become a turning point for the immediate future of the longest-serving team principal in the sport.
