Mastermind Exposed: Christian Horner Uncovers Culprit Behind His Red Bull Racing Exit

Last Updated:February 24, 2026, 17:43 IST

Horner reveals the emotional impact of his sudden Red Bull Racing exit, and blames Oliver Mintzlaff and Helmut Marko for his sacking.

After months of silence, Christian Horner has finally spoken out about his shock exit from Red Bull Racing.

And he isn’t holding back.

The 52-year-old was dismissed as Red Bull CEO and team principal just 48 hours after the 2025 British Grand Prix, ending a 20-year reign that delivered eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles.

Now, in the upcoming season of Formula 1: Drive to Survive, Horner has opened up about the emotional toll of his departure.

“I feel a real sense of loss and hurt. It was all rather sudden. I didn’t really get the chance to say a proper goodbye," he says in the series, according to a report from The Telegraph.

“Of course your immediate reaction when you’re delivered a sh*t sandwich like that is to say ‘f*ck them’. I had something taken away from me which wasn’t my choice which was very precious to me."

Who Does He Blame?

Horner believes the decision was orchestrated at the very top of the Red Bull hierarchy.

“I think this was a decision made by Oliver Mintzlaff with Helmut Marko advising from the sideline," he claimed, while speaking to the media for the first time.

He suggested that internal dynamics shifted following the death of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz.

“After Dietrich’s death, I was probably deemed to have maybe too much control."

Verstappen Not Responsible

Speculation had swirled about tensions within the team, particularly involving Max Verstappen and his father Jos Verstappen.

Horner dismissed that theory.

“His father has never been my biggest fan. He’s been outspoken about me. But I don’t believe the Verstappens were responsible in any way."

Fallout Continues

Horner’s sacking followed months of declining form, internal power struggles and a personal controversy in which he was accused of sexual harassment and coercive, controlling behaviour by a female employee.

Meanwhile, a reported Australian speaking tour — with planned appearances in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth — has now been cancelled, according to a report from GPFans.

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