Horner follows Sir Alex Ferguson’s example and won’t miss a race

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has no intention to lessen his burden this year and will hold the fort at every race despite Formula 1’s record-breaking 24-race schedule.

It has been suggested that the sport’s upcoming heavy calendar and grueling travel demands will lead some team bosses to occasionally miss a race while crew rotations are planned to ensure the well-being of an outfit’s staff.

But Horner will remain loyal to his troops as he has been since 2005 when he took the helm of Red Bull Racing, the Briton comparing his presence at every event to that of legendary Manchester United football manager Sir Alex Ferguson's unwavering commitment to his team's matches.

In contrast, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has expressed a willingness to miss a few races each season, acknowledging the physical and mental toll that the relentless travel can take on his team members.

This growing divergence in approaches between Horner and Wolff reflects the evolving dynamics of Formula 1 team management.

• Read also: Vasseur and Horner split on super-sized 24-race calendar

While Horner embodies the traditional hands-on approach, Wolff is embracing a more modern, strategic style that emphasizes delegation and workload management.

“I see my role as a team principal and CEO,” Horner told Sky F1.

“For 52 weeks a year, I am CEO of a high-performance technology business with Red Bull Racing, Red Bull Powertrains and Red Bull Advanced Technology.

“If I’m not on the track, I’m at the factory from Monday to Friday.

“As a team manager, I attend all the races. I have attended every Grand Prix that Red Bull has competed in since 2005.”

The debate over race attendance highlights the challenges faced by F1 teams in balancing their competitive aspirations with the well-being of their personnel.

As the sport continues to expand and demand on teams intensifies, finding a sustainable balance between these competing priorities will be crucial for maintaining the health and success of the entire Formula 1 paddock.

Red Bull embarks on its 2024 season with the ambitious goal of extending the remarkable dominance it enjoyed in 2023 during which it won 21 out of 22 events.

As Red Bull’s rivals work tirelessly to bridge the gap with the reigning world champions, the Milton Keynes-based outfit will be challenged to replicate its outstanding win rate.

As the man overseeing operations on the battlefield, Horner believes that, just as a football manager is expected to be present at every game, the role of an F1 team principal demands unwavering dedication and presence at every race.

“People need to see the boss,” he said. “Not attending one would be like Alex Ferguson not going to a football match.”

However, Horner admits that the fleeting moments spent amidst the normalcy of his home life serve as a cherished refuge from the relentless demands of the Formula 1 season.

“Leaving home and leaving your family is always hard for anyone who travels a lot,” he added.

“2023 was a tough calendar, and 2024 seems even tougher, with more races. The most important moment is when you are at home with the family. You leave the phone on the sideboard.

“I have a young family and that time is very valuable. I try do things.

“If I can come back on a Sunday afternoon, for example. If I can take the kids to school on Monday morning, it’s a bit of normality.”

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