Christian Horner had many allies at Red Bull. That was much clear when he made his farewell speech at the factory on Wednesday.
Horner’s announcement left many staff in tears, and there were several minutes of applause. After 20 years at the helm, he’d forged a bond with many of his colleagues.
But high-ranking figures in the team gradually started to turn against the 51-year-old in the year before his sacking. While he’s not a direct Red Bull employee, Jos Verstappen was perhaps the first influential name to speak out against him.
Verstappen Sr warned Red Bull would fall apart under Horner’s leadership last year. Their feud initially played out in public, and while both sides eventually recognised that this was damaging, there was no lasting resolution.
Jos Verstappen told Christian Horner he’d keep him under ‘pressure’
There was a clear sign at the British Grand Prix, which proved to be Horner’s last race in charge, that the two were still at odds. As reported by Bild, among others, they were involved in a heated argument in the garage after the race.
Verstappen clashed with Horner ally Paul Smith, who’s since been removed as communications chief, over his media briefings. It’s said that he ‘gestured wildly and pointed his finger’ at Smith.
Addressing Horner, he reportedly said: “I’ll keep the pressure on you, Christian.”
Those remarks have now taken on an added significance given that Horner was removed only days later. It’s said that the former F1 driver had been calling for his dismissal.
Paranoia had taken over at Red Bull with staff being watched
The atmosphere within Red Bull was perhaps becoming increasingly untenable. This was likely one of the factors that contributed to Horner losing his job.
One report in the spring revealed that Horner and Helmut Marko made people ‘tense up’ when they entered the team hospitality. Factions were forming within their ranks.
Some observers claim that Horner started to govern in his own interests, perhaps in an effort to consolidate his position. He had the Thai majority owners on his side until his final weeks.
Red Bull staff were even asked what they’d told journalists when they were seen in conversation. One wonders how this compares to McLaren, the runaway leaders of the constructors’ championship.
