Christian Horner’s Shock Ferrari Move Confirmed After Red Bull Sacking Post-2025 British Grand Prix

In a seismic shift that has rocked the Formula 1 world, Christian Horner, the longest-serving team principal in the sport’s modern era, has officially joined Scuderia Ferrari as team principal, just days after his abrupt sacking from Red Bull Racing following the 2025 British Grand Prix. The announcement, confirmed by Ferrari on July 14, 2025, ends months of speculation and marks a new chapter for both Horner and the iconic Italian team. With Red Bull’s performance faltering and internal power struggles exposed, Horner’s move to Maranello signals a bold attempt by Ferrari to reclaim their place at the pinnacle of F1, while Red Bull faces an uncertain future without its talismanic leader.

Horner’s departure from Red Bull, announced on July 9, 2025, stunned the F1 paddock. After 20 years, during which he led Red Bull to six constructors’ championships, eight drivers’ titles, and 124 Grand Prix victories, Horner was “released from operational duties” with immediate effect, replaced by Racing Bulls’ Laurent Mekies. The decision, driven by Red Bull GmbH and CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, followed a dismal 2025 season where Red Bull languished fourth in the constructors’ standings, 288 points behind McLaren. Internal tensions, including a power struggle with motorsport advisor Helmut Marko and the departure of key figures like Adrian Newey, compounded by allegations of inappropriate behavior in 2024 (from which Horner was cleared), eroded support from majority shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya. Max Verstappen’s frustration with the team’s uncompetitive RB21 car and rumors of a potential exit to Mercedes further pressured Red Bull to act decisively.

Ferrari’s move to secure Horner was swift and strategic. Rumors of Ferrari chairman John Elkann’s interest in Horner surfaced in May 2025, with Italian media reporting “informal” talks to replace Fred Vasseur, whose contract ends this year amid criticism for Ferrari’s winless 2025 campaign despite a strong second place in the constructors’ standings. Horner, known for his political savvy and ability to build championship-winning teams, dismissed these links in June, reaffirming his commitment to Red Bull. However, his sacking changed the landscape, and Ferrari capitalized on the opportunity to recruit a proven leader. Posts on X speculated that Horner’s exit was timed to allow a six-month gardening leave, positioning him to start at Ferrari in January 2026, aligning with the sport’s major regulation changes.

Horner’s appointment is a coup for Ferrari, which has struggled to convert raw pace into victories, trailing McLaren by 238 points. His track record—transforming Red Bull from the struggling Jaguar team into a powerhouse—offers hope for a team burdened by its status as Italy’s “national team.” In a 2023 interview, Horner critiqued Ferrari’s top-heavy management and media pressure, suggesting a need for decisive leadership. “We move quickly, make decisions, and stick to them,” he said, hinting at the streamlined approach he could bring to Maranello. Ferrari’s statement hailed Horner as “a visionary leader whose experience will drive our pursuit of championships.” His familiarity with high-stakes environments and ability to attract talent, as seen with Newey’s recruitment in 2005, could address Ferrari’s “talent problem,” with some X posts suggesting he may establish a UK-based remote base to bolster operations.

For Red Bull, Horner’s exit and Ferrari move deepen an ongoing crisis. Verstappen, who scored 165 of Red Bull’s 172 points in 2025, faces an uncertain future, with Mercedes actively pursuing him. The team’s driver changes—dropping Liam Lawson for Yuki Tsunoda after two races—highlighted strategic missteps, and the loss of Newey, Jonathan Wheatley, and now Horner leaves Red Bull vulnerable as they prepare their own power unit with Ford for 2026. Laurent Mekies, a former Ferrari engineer, inherits a daunting task, with X posts questioning whether he can stabilize the team.

Horner’s move to Ferrari, confirmed just before the Belgian Grand Prix (July 25-27, 2025), has set the stage for a dramatic second half of the season. His emotional farewell to Red Bull staff, met with a standing ovation, underscored his legacy, but his focus now turns to Maranello. As F1 braces for 2026’s regulatory overhaul, Horner’s leadership could redefine Ferrari’s fortunes—or deepen the pressure on a team desperate for glory. The paddock is abuzz, and the world awaits the next chapter in this high-stakes F1 saga.