1992 Formula 1 World Champion Nigel Mansell has contended that Red Bull is bound to “struggle” following Christian Horner’s “shock” sacking as team boss.
Horner, who had led the Milton Keynes-based squad since its inception in 2005, was formally relieved of his duties as Team Principal and CEO last Wednesday.
Speculation has been rife about the reasons behind this mid-season bombshell, with suggestions that an intra-team political fallout marinating since early last season is the reason behind the Briton being shown the exit door at Red Bull.
Mansell, who reunited with Adrian Newey at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, revealed that he was as shocked as the rest of the paddock with Horner’s departure.
“I think just like the racing fans, I didn’t know what Red Bull were doing, so yeah it came as quite a shock and surprise,” he told Aceodds.
“I was with Red Bull and I spoke to Christian last weekend and there was no inference, no problems or anything. A bit of shock and a bit of horror really.”
The 51-year-old had been on the receiving end of criticism from the media and fans alike for the team’s plummeting form, second-driver troubles, and the unsavoury inappropriate behaviour scandal he found himself in the middle of last year.
That said, Mansell believes that Horner’s legacy at the helm of Red Bull should not be overshadowed by recent controversies.
“No one really has the facts and it would not be professional of me to try and make an opinion, but all I can say is the magnificent job Christian Horner has done for 20 years is a testament to his skill and his dedication to the sport,” asserted the erstwhile Williams and Ferrari driver. “That shouldn’t be forgotten.”
Why Mansell believes Red Bull will “struggle” under new management
Horner’s departure will see a major operational reshuffle ensue at both Red Bull and sister team Racing Bulls.
Laurent Mekies, who had been in charge of the Faenza-based squad since the beginning of the 2024 season, has now been made the CEO and Team Principal of the main team.
He will be replaced by former Renault (now Alpine) stalwart Alan Permane.
Mansell feels that this has thrown the six-time Constructors’ Champions into an unwarranted transitional phase which will be detrimental to its competitiveness going forward.
“To do this mid-season, whatever the reasons are, it’s not helpful for the team,” he explained.
“The team will miss him, there will be a transitional period. It will be a struggle for Red Bull to be as competitive as they would’ve wanted to be for 2025 now.”
Having said that, the 71-year-old is going to keep a keen eye on how the team rebuilds itself in the coming months and years.
“It’s very difficult to pass a comment on the inner workings of any team when you don’t know the facts,” he said.
“All I’d say is motor racing is difficult enough without having these challenges come along at the time they have. Any team would have a huge challenge.
“Watch this space, whatever happens is going to be interesting, isn’t it?”
READ MORE – Details of Christian Horner’s Red Bull F1 dismissal revealed
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