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Martin Brundle breaks silence after speaking with Horner: “No Reason Was Given”

July 10, 2025
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - FEBRUARY 26: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, and Jos Verstappen talk in the garage during day one of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on February 26, 2025 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202502260251 // Usage for editorial use only //

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Martin Brundle breaks silence after speaking with Horner: “No Reason Was Given”

by Velocity News
July 10, 2025
in Formula 1, International
0

Christian Horner has officially been dismissed from his role as Team Principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing, bringing an end to his 20-year leadership of the team.

The announcement was made on Wednesday evening (NZST), just days after the British Grand Prix. Red Bull also confirmed Laurent Mekies as Horner’s replacement in both leadership positions.

All change at Red Bull and Racing Bulls 🚨

Laurent Mekies, former Racing Bulls boss, steps up as CEO of Red Bull Racing whilst Alan Permane will take over at Racing Bulls ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/yxEi95udIb

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) July 9, 2025

Horner departs following a challenging period for the team. Over the past 18 months, he faced two investigations into sexual misconduct—both of which cleared him, and increasing friction with key figures within Red Bull.

Martin Brundle shared on Sky Sports News that he reached out to Horner after the announcement. Brundle revealed that Horner told him no explanation had been provided for his sacking.

“I put a message through to him to say sorry to read that,” Brundle said.

“I said to him, ‘Can we have a chat before I have to go on TV, because I want to know more about it from your point of view?’.

“He wasn’t able to do that. What he did say to me was that no reason was given to him as to why he’s been released. That’s the only information I have on that.”

Brundle commented on the surprising timing of Horner’s removal given the context of the internal issues and emerging rifts within the team.

“It’s completely out of the blue, given things that are going on, and these sorts of problems in the team, [and] words getting out of team Verstappen and others,” he said.

“I’m quite sad about it, if I’m honest, I consider Christian a friend. He’s done an incredible job there for 20 years and won an awful lot of races and world championships, for drivers and for the team.

Instrumental in Red Bull's success 🏆

Christian Horner led the team from the very beginning 💪#F1 pic.twitter.com/l4Eayghyq0

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 9, 2025

“He took it from what was the Stewart team through Jaguar, and it was struggling, to a massive campus in Milton Keynes with a huge trophy cabinet.

“But, you know, it’s not been difficult to feel in the Formula One paddock and to observe and to hear that things were not particularly rosy.”

Speculation has swirled around Max Verstappen’s future, but Brundle suggested that the situation could actually lead to the Dutch driver staying at Red Bull.

“I think that it became quite personal in what some call ‘Team Verstappen,” he said.

“So I think there are a number of aspects.

“I mean every point, podium, victory, and world championship Max has, through his own genius driving, it must be said, is in a Red Bull Car, and he’s often stated he wants to see his career out there if he can.

“But then they’re debuting their own engine for the first time next year, and what is going to be the biggest change in Formula One history of car and power unit at the same time.

“So Christian’s been in the seat and driving that aspect of the team along completely.

“We know that Max has an exit clause based on where he is in the World Championship at the end of this month.

“Does this mean he’s more likely to go, more likely to stay? I can only surmise that it is more likely to stay in the team.”

"It's not been difficult to feel in the Formula 1 paddock that things were not particularly rosy" 🥀

Martin Brundle reacts to Red Bull sacking Christian Horner 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/JPMJilYAfo

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) July 9, 2025

Verstappen is contracted through to the end of the 2028 season, though rumours of a move to Mercedes have persisted. Brundle also linked Horner’s downfall to the changing internal structure at Red Bull since the death of founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022.

“This all goes back to Dietrich Mateschitz dying,” Brundle said.

“Nothing happened without Dietrich signing off, and he was the absolute leader of that group.

Since his death, you’ve seen all sorts of other people and structures coming in, and you can see where it all started to go wrong.”

Craig Slater of Sky Sports News pointed to a shift in the power dynamics within Red Bull. Thai co-owner Chalerm Yoovidhya, who had previously supported Horner, is said to have recently withdrawn that support.

Brundle speculated that the team’s on-track performance may have also been a contributing factor in the decision.

“I believe it’s probably performance-related as well,” he said. “The car is struggling, although they’ve won races this year, of course, they’ve won races brilliantly…but nothing’s forever.

“Things move on, and Red Bull has already put in place significant changes.”

Despite the shock announcement, Brundle believes the team has the structure and talent in place to continue strongly.

"Christian himself was very emotional" 🗣️

Crofty on Christian Horner's final morning at Red Bull 👇 pic.twitter.com/yRZyktZRbn

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) July 9, 2025

“The sort of ‘maverick team boss’…that era is moving away,” he added.

“It’s more a collection of specialists in management roles than one talisman out there if you like.

“There’s incredible momentum in these teams. There are well over 1000 people making two racing cars to go around the circuit 24 times a year.

“I don’t see the team going to fall over immediately.”

Header Image: Sutton Images/Getty Images

Tags: Christian HornerFormula 1Helmut MarkoLaurent MekiesMartin BrundleMax VerstappenOracle Red Bull RacingRacing BullsRed Bull RacingVisa Cash App RB

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