The Formula 1 paddock is no stranger to high-stakes drama, but the latest rumors swirling around Red Bull Racing have shifted the spotlight from the track to the boardroom in Milton Keynes. Christian Horner, the team principal who has steered Red Bull to multiple championships, is once again at the center of speculation about his potential exit. What started as whispers has now exploded into headlines across European media, with sources suggesting that Horner’s days at the helm of the Austrian team may be numbered, fueled by internal tensions and disappointing team performance.
Italian outlet Autosprint dropped the bombshell, claiming that Horner is losing crucial support from Red Bull’s Thai ownership, specifically the influential Chalerm Yoovidhya group. This faction had previously backed Horner through a tumultuous 2024 season, which saw off-track controversies and a rocky start for the team. However, the underperformance of the RB21 car in 2025, coupled with vocal frustrations from star driver Max Verstappen, has reportedly eroded that confidence. Verstappen, a three-time world champion, has not shied away from criticizing the team’s direction, adding pressure to an already strained situation. With Red Bull trailing McLaren by 141 points in the Constructors’ Championship after just six races, the cracks in Horner’s leadership are becoming harder to ignore.
The rumor mill has also churned out potential replacements, with one name standing out: Franz Tost. The Austrian, who left AlphaTauri (now RB) in 2023 after clashing with Horner, is being touted as a surprising contender to take over, according to Formula Passion. Tost’s deep ties to Red Bull—he led their sister team for nearly two decades—lend credibility to the speculation, and the Austrian press has taken the idea seriously, emphasizing his symbolic weight within the organization. Other names in the mix include Oliver Oakes, recently departed from Alpine, and even Helmut Marko, a current Red Bull board member known for his no-nonsense approach. However, Planet F1 reports that Horner remains secure for now, with his contract extending to 2030 and the Thai ownership not yet ready to pull the trigger on a change.
Despite this, the speculation refuses to die down, and for good reason. Red Bull’s recent struggles, combined with the uncertainty surrounding their new power unit partnership with Ford in 2026, have cast a long shadow over Horner’s tenure. The team’s inability to match McLaren’s pace this season has raised questions about their competitiveness, especially as Verstappen himself has hinted at a potential sabbatical in 2026, citing a lack of fun and the sport’s demanding nature. If Horner can’t steer Red Bull back to dominance, his position could become untenable, regardless of his contract.
As of 03:15 PM +07 on May 15, 2025, the F1 community is buzzing with debate. Should Red Bull stick with Horner, the architect of their past successes, or is it time for fresh leadership like Franz Tost to take the wheel? The uncertainty promises more twists in this Formula 1 saga, and fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter. What do you think—does Horner deserve more time, or is a shake-up overdue? Drop your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for the latest updates on this unfolding drama!
