Red Bull Chief Technical Officer Paul Monaghan has admitted Christian Horner’s exit came as a “shock” and acknowledged the team faces a “difficult” period in Formula 1.
Two weeks on since Red Bull announced Horner’s sudden dismissal, the F1 paddock continues to grapple with the shockwaves sent by the Austrian outfit.
Horner’s departure came after a turbulent 18 months, during which Red Bull’s leadership gradually lost confidence in the man who had delivered 14 titles over two decades.
While no official reason has been given by the shareholders or Max Verstappen’s entourage, speculation points to several factors behind Horner’s dismissal.
These include the controversy from February 2024, when a female Red Bull employee accused him of inappropriate behaviour, as well as key team departures, growing tensions with Verstappen’s father, and ongoing issues surrounding the second driver situation.
Amidst it all, Monaghan expressed his genuine shock and sadness at Horner’s departure, reflecting on the long-standing success the duo shared with Red Bull.
“Well, to tell you the truth, it was a shock to me,” he told media including Motorsport Week at the Belgian Grand Prix.
“It’s sad – Christian has put a large chunk of his working life into the team and we’ve all together as a team, we’ve enjoyed a huge amount of success.
“Perhaps unwarranted to some views, whatever. But anyway, what is done is done.
“And I say thank you to Christian for everything he did, personally for me and for this team.”
Red Bull’s new leader earns high praise amid challenging transition
Taking over his duties as CEO and Team Principal is Laurent Mekies, who has earned himself a promotion from Red Bull’s sister team.
Monaghan recognised the tough task ahead under new leadership but praised the Frenchman’s dedication during this challenging time.
“Laurent has got quite a difficult situation – I’ve known him for many years. He’s [a] very personable, smart chap,” he added.
“So now it’s up to us to pull together as a team because there are nine other teams [that] can’t wait to fight us.
“So if we’re going to stand up to them, we have to stand as a team. We are preparing to stand as a team.
“Laurent’s doing his utmost to ensure that that is what we are aiming to do. And yeah, we’re going to do so.”
Also asked about Mekies’ appointment, Carlos Sainz, who worked with him at Ferrari between 2021 and early 2024, offered high praise.
“Yeah, he’s, I think, an extremely good professional,” Sainz said. “My time at Ferrari, when he was there, I found someone incredibly hardworking.
“He understood drivers very well and had a special connection and communication with them, which makes things comfortable and open for the driver.
“Since his time in the FIA, then Ferrari, now Red Bull, he has plenty of experience to lead one of the biggest teams in Formula 1.
“I honestly think he’s the perfect fit for that team. So congrats to him – he probably deserves that step up. I think he’s going to enjoy it.”
READ MORE – Where new Red Bull F1 boss Laurent Mekies has already impressed Max Verstappen
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