Jeremy Clarkson Slams ‘B****cks’ on Christian Horner Sacking Rumours Following Red Bull’s Imola Victory

Celebrity Formula 1 enthusiast and journalist Jeremy Clarkson has firmly dismissed the latest rumours suggesting Christian Horner’s imminent sacking as “b****cks,” following Red Bull Racing’s triumphant return to the top at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Rumours Swirl Ahead of Imola Grand Prix

In the days leading up to last weekend’s highly anticipated race at Imola, reports circulated wildly claiming that Christian Horner’s role as Red Bull’s team principal—a position he has held for more than 20 years—was under serious threat. These claims hinged on the premise that the team’s latest upgrades needed to deliver immediate results, or else Horner would face the axe.

However, as PlanetF1.com confirmed last week, these rumours were baseless. Horner retained the unwavering support of Red Bull’s shareholders, especially significant as he prepared to lead the team for his 400th Grand Prix in charge.

Red Bull’s Impressive Performance at Imola

The team’s celebration was swift and emphatic, with Max Verstappen securing Red Bull’s second victory of the 2025 season. Verstappen’s masterful overtaking move on McLaren’s championship leader Oscar Piastri at the very first corner set the tone for a dominant performance.

Christian Horner praised the latest upgrade package, describing it as “the most successful we’ve had in quite some time.” He remarked, “Imola was the first race I can remember in a long time where we had the pace to really pull away and out-degrade the McLaren.” This clear on-track success effectively quashed any doubts regarding Horner’s leadership or the team’s direction.

Clarkson Critiques the Media Circus

Writing in his column for The Sunday Times, Jeremy Clarkson criticized the sensationalist nature of modern media, which amplifies baseless rumours to viral proportions. Using his trademark wit, Clarkson questioned the validity of such claims, comparing Horner’s situation to other equally dubious stories circulating in the media.

“What do you know? Seriously. What can you be absolutely certain is a fact?” Clarkson mused. He went on to humorously debunk multiple gossip stories, including alleged rifts in the Beckham family, Tom Cruise’s hair color, and even Donald Trump’s supposed infatuation with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Clarkson drew on his own experiences with media misinformation, highlighting how false stories about his life regularly make headlines, only to be debunked later. He concluded with a blunt verdict on the Horner rumours: “In short, that everything I’ve read all week is b****cks.”

Clarkson’s Affection for Imola

Aside from addressing the controversy, Clarkson also voiced strong support for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, describing Imola as his “favourite track in the world.” Despite acknowledging that the race might not always produce the most thrilling on-track battles, Clarkson praised the circuit’s unique character and driving challenge.

Imola’s place on the F1 calendar is currently uncertain, with its contract set to expire at the end of 2025. The historic track returned to the calendar in 2020 after a 14-year hiatus, quickly establishing itself as a beloved venue among drivers and fans alike.

Clarkson expressed his disappointment at the possibility of Imola being dropped in the future, stating on social media, “Imola may not produce the best racing but to drive round, it’s my favourite track in the world.”

What This Means for Red Bull and Horner

With the rumours firmly debunked and Red Bull’s recent success, Christian Horner’s position as team principal appears rock-solid. His steady leadership continues to steer one of Formula 1’s most dominant teams, with Verstappen’s consistent performance further strengthening the squad’s championship hopes.

As the 2025 season progresses, the focus now shifts to sustaining this momentum and navigating the challenges of an ever-competitive grid. Horner and Red Bull’s united front sends a clear message: speculation and gossip hold no sway over a team focused on victory.