Sebastian Vettel has admitted he was taken aback by the departure of Christian Horner from Red Bull Racing, describing the longtime team boss as a “central part” of the outfit that powered him to four consecutive Formula 1 world titles.
The 37-year-old German, who made a rare paddock appearance at the São Paulo Grand Prix last weekend, reflected on the seismic change at the team that defined his career.
Horner, who had led Red Bull since its inception in 2005, was replaced as team principal and CEO in July before officially leaving the organization in September following a settlement agreement with the team.
His successor, former Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies, has since stepped into one of the most prominent and pressurized positions in Formula 1.
Big Footsteps to Follow
For Vettel – who joined Red Bull’s senior squad in 2009 and went on to dominate the early 2010s under Horner’s leadership – the Briton’s departure marked the end of an era.
“Surprised. I mean, Christian has been there for so long, since the very beginning and knows this team inside out,” Vettel told Sky Sports F1.
“I think for this year, everything was in place. I know Laurent as well, the success, and I worked with him and he’s a really, really great person.
“But I think Christian left some big footsteps, not just because of all the success he’s had with the team, but also I think he was such a central part of the team. He knew what was going on and so on.”
The German acknowledged that while Red Bull remains a powerhouse operation, the internal dynamics will inevitably shift without Horner’s guiding presence.
“I’m not completely aware of the organisation, the structure, and especially the plan for the future. But that’s where I think it’s valid to say, let’s wait and see how it turns out.”
Uncertain Future for Horner
Horner’s exit followed months of speculation and internal tension within the Red Bull camp. Though the precise details of his departure remain confidential, it is understood that the settlement reached between Horner and the team leaves the door open for a potential return to Formula 1 in 2026 — should the right opportunity arise.
Aston Martin team principal Andy Cowell added some color to the rumor mill ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix earlier this season.
“I had a chat with Lawrence [Stroll, Aston Martin F1’s owner] this morning to find out what he knows. It looks as though Christian is ringing up pretty much every team owner at the moment,” he said.
“I can clearly say there are no plans for the involvement of Christian in an operational or investment role in the future.”
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Similarly, Alpine’s Steve Nielsen dismissed suggestions that Horner could link up with the French squad through his long-time friend and team advisor Flavio Briatore.
Still, the 50-year-old Briton appears determined to engineer a way back – even if it means building something of his own.
As Red Bull adjusts to life under new leadership and Horner weighs his next move, one thing is clear: the man who helped redefine modern Formula 1 has indeed left “some big footsteps” – and the paddock is still feeling their echo.
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