Formula 1 is ablaze with the latest rumors rocking the paddock: Christian Horner, the iconic boss of Red Bull Racing, could be living out his final hours at the helm of the team. According to European media, led by the Austrian newspaper Österreich , the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, scheduled for May 18, 2025, could mark the end of an era for the Briton. What’s going on at the energy drink team? Here we tell you all the details of this bombshell that has fans on the edge of their seats.
2025 has not been Red Bull’s year. After dominating Formula 1 in previous seasons, the Austrian team has had a disappointing start, with Max Verstappen scoring just one win at the Japanese GP. Meanwhile, McLaren has swept the field to five wins, four of them thanks to Oscar Piastri, the drivers’ championship leader. This drop in the RB21’s performance has generated internal tensions, and criticism has not been long in coming. Both Verstappen and Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s long-time advisor, have publicly questioned the car’s competitiveness, increasing the pressure on Horner.
The Imola Grand Prix will be crucial. Red Bull plans to introduce technical updates, such as suspension tweaks and a redesigned floor, but no groundbreaking changes are expected. According to AutoSprint , if these improvements don’t make a “noticeable” impact on the track, majority shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya could withdraw his support for Horner, paving the way for his departure.
This isn’t the first time Horner has been in the spotlight. In 2023, a team employee accused him of inappropriate behavior, sparking an internal investigation. Although Horner was exonerated and backed by Thai shareholders, the scandal left open wounds, especially with the Austrian faction led by Marko. This episode, combined with the current sporting crisis, has rekindled doubts about his leadership.
Since the death of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022, the team has faced a silent power struggle. The relationship between Horner and Marko has deteriorated, and rumors of a dismissal have gained traction in the Austrian media, which are close to the advisor. For many, Horner has become the “scapegoat” for the team’s woes.
If the rumors are confirmed, Red Bull is already evaluating successors. Among the names being floated are Franz Tost, former boss of Toro Rosso (now Racing Bulls), and Oliver Oakes, who recently left Alpine. However, Oakes’ candidacy has been complicated by a scandal involving his brother, which could rule him out. Tost, meanwhile, is a respected figure close to Red Bull’s top brass, but his return would be a surprise following his departure in 2023.
The uncertainty isn’t limited to Horner. Max Verstappen, under contract until 2028, has been linked to Mercedes and Aston Martin in recent weeks. While his departure wouldn’t directly impact Horner’s position, a poor result at Imola could intensify rumors about the four-time world champion’s future. Could Red Bull lose their star?
The potential departure of Horner, who has led Red Bull since 2005 and transformed it into a powerhouse with six constructors’ and eight drivers’ titles, would mark a monumental change. His legacy is undeniable, but Formula 1 is relentless, and stagnation is unforgivable. Imola will not just be a race, but a turning point for the team.
As the paddock anxiously awaits the outcome, one thing is certain: the crisis at Red Bull is far from over. Will Horner manage to save his job, or will we see a new chapter in the team’s history? Share your opinion in the comments and follow us for more updates on this drama that is revolutionizing Formula 1.
