Energy drink company Red Bull GmbH has severed its last formal links with Christian Horner, removing him as a director of the two main companies behind its Formula 1 operations – just over a month after his dramatic exit as team principal.
The move ends another chapter in what has been a turbulent period for the 51-year-old, whose 20-year reign at the helm of the Milton Keynes-based squad ended abruptly in the days following the British Grand Prix.
His dismissal followed a protracted spell of internal unrest, including personal allegations that unsettled the team.
Boardroom Shake-Up
According to fresh filings with the UK’s Companies House, Horner has now been dropped from the boards of both Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Technologies.
His position in each has been taken by Stefan Salzer, the global head of HR at Red Bull GmbH. Salzer now joins Helmut Marko as the only other director of Red Bull Racing.
Horner had been the team’s sole principal and CEO since its 2005 debut in Formula 1, overseeing six constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ crowns. His leadership mantle has since passed to Laurent Mekies, previously head of the sister outfit Racing Bulls.
Future Uncertain
When leaving his principal role, Horner told staff in an emotional address that he would remain an employee in an undisclosed capacity, albeit without “operational duties.” Now, with his board positions gone, his involvement appears to have been pared back even further.
Speculation over Horner’s next step has been rife. Rumours of a switch to Ferrari were quashed when Fred Vasseur confirmed his continued leadership in Maranello, while talk of a move to Alpine continues to bubble in the paddock.
Former F1 supremo, Bernie Ecclestone, who remains close to Horner, doubts he’ll return anytime soon to the F1 paddock.
“At the moment, I think it’s still a bit of a shock for him,” Ecclestone recently told Sky Sports F1. “So he will gradually get over this and realise there are other things in the world to do and he’ll get on and do them.”
One thing is certain: Red Bull’s era under Christian Horner is over, both on track and in the boardroom.
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