Christian Horner’s priorities have come under intense scrutiny following the revelation of an angry phone call he made while serving as Red Bull’s team principal. This incident surfaced amid mounting tension surrounding his role, shortly after Horner’s dismissal as Red Bull team boss following the British Grand Prix in 2025. The controversy intensified amid rumors of Max Verstappen’s possible move to Mercedes.
Peter Hardenacke, speaking on the Sky Sports Germany podcast ‘Backstage Pit Lane,’ expressed doubts about Horner’s dedication to his leadership responsibilities. Hardenacke suggested that Horner placed greater importance on his personal image than on his duties within the team.
“There is an episode, perhaps someone could also tell you about it, there was a feature that was made by Servus TV, the in-house channel of Red Bull, about Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes,”
Hardenacke said, describing the circumstances around the phone call. He explained that Horner’s frustration was triggered when he saw the Mercedes team principal featured on the channel but he was not.
Hardenacke added,
“And even in some of the episodes of Drive to Survive, it’s a great format, clearly it made Formula 1 bigger and more famous, but I think that was already too far removed from what a team principal should be doing.”
Impact of Horner’s Departure and Team Changes at Red Bull
Christian Horner and Mercedes’ Toto Wolff have emerged as key figures in Formula 1, particularly since the popularity rise spurred by the ‘Drive to Survive’ series. Both were central to the intense championship battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in recent years. However, Mercedes has positioned itself well ahead of the upcoming 2026 season, with expectations that Wolff could secure Hamilton’s move from Red Bull.
With Horner’s exit, Red Bull appointed Laurent Mekies as the new team principal, signaling a fresh start for the team. As the 2025 season unfolds, Verstappen remains within striking distance of the championship leader Oscar Piastri, trailing by only 69 points despite the setbacks faced by Red Bull’s RB21 car.
The Dutch driver’s continued competitiveness against rivals like McLaren illustrates Red Bull’s potential to regain dominance even after a difficult period.
Future Outlook for Red Bull and Its Leadership
Horner’s angry phone call and subsequent departure have raised questions about his true priorities during a critical moment for Red Bull. The internal emphasis on media presence and personal recognition may have distracted from the responsibilities expected of a team principal, particularly as the team navigates competitive challenges and leadership changes.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on how Laurent Mekies manages to restore stability and guide Red Bull to reclaim its winning form. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s ambition to capture the 2025 world drivers’ championship remains a key storyline, presenting an opportunity for Red Bull to reassert itself in Formula 1’s evolving landscape.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, using the number 13 is permitted. For example, Pastor Maldonado chose #13 when the fixed number system started in 2014. Although some cultures view 13 as unlucky, F1 lets drivers decide their numbers.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton is a British Formula One driver born in 1985. He races for Mercedes and formerly drove for McLaren. He openly shares his experiences with ADHD, and he also explores his various interests and passions.
Q. Is 69 allowed in F1?
A. At present, drivers can choose any number from 0 and 2 to 99 for their careers. Only the World Champion can use number 1. A number can be used by someone else if a driver hasn’t competed for two seasons, except for number 1.
Q. Which F1 drivers have ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton is a British racing driver born in 1985. He competes in Formula One for Mercedes and has also raced for McLaren. Hamilton openly shares his experiences with ADHD and talks about his various interests and hobbies.