Overview
- Horner says he feels a “real sense of loss and pain,” describing his dismissal as sudden and leaving no chance for a proper farewell.
- He asserts the decision came from Oliver Mintzlaff with Helmut Marko advising from the sidelines, framing it within post‑Mateschitz power shifts at Red Bull.
- His standing had already eroded after a 2024 allegation of inappropriate behaviour by an employee and public criticism from Jos Verstappen, according to prior reports.
- Reports state Marko also departed at the end of last season as leadership changes continued at the team.
- Horner signals that any return to Formula 1 would likely be in a different role with potential ownership, while McLaren’s Zak Brown publicly predicts he will come back.