2025 Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team

[TeamKoolGreen]

Some commentary on what happened today that I think is mostly right

[Ashwinv16]

Ohh i got some tea...
For info Sacking is very inline with the Thai owners transferring their 2% to a Swiss based trust (Fides Trustees SA) thus losing majority stake in the team (this is due to an issue in Thailand that's slowly creeping up (although being hidden from all mainstream media) about the hit and run case of his younger son that might be brought back to light after the prosecutor that dismissed his charge where put in prison for abuse of power to help him. Losing stake can reduce on Red Bull ownership in the future. Very likely the 2% there that was transferred off to the trust will be bought back or will likely move(or maybe just his son) there if the situation gets worse in Thailand. Now Thai owners were backing to keep Horner while the Austrians didn't as they really wanted Lauren Mekes to take the team in 2024 which was why he came from Ferrari in the first place after the allegations but maybe even before but Horner had a bit of support from the Thai side.

This support became bigger especially during the Sergio Perez issue in which the Austrian side wanted to keep him (Mark especially not his father but his father passed away which is where Sergio gained the Austrian sides support from Mark and convincing Ford to join together and why he was confident he won't leave the team in 2024) But the Thai side sided with Horner and issue become even bigger as Lawson was selected instead of Tsunoda although this one is a bit confusing cause there are conflicting reports about this. Now with the issues for Thai owner the Austrian side took advantage. They now have a limited amount of time before the Thai owners get the 2% under control or buy it back unless well they don't in which case the Austrians will stay in control for the foreseeable future. Which leaves Max Verstappen.....

From here on it's speculation so don't quote me on this but The Austrian Side has given Max a choice. Marko will be fired soon and it's upto Max to stay if he wants, but i think Max already knew this so is now looking at Mercedes and now 50% likely to move to Mercedes depending upon Marko decision. Marko's firing will likely be announced just around the same time Max's move to Mercedes is announced if he takes it. Mark has taken the time to also fire everyone that's not on his side including Oliver Hughes and Paul Smith.

Hers what's likely gonna happen next (1 being likely, 5 being delusional but don't rule out)

1 - Marko and Max continue to stay but contract re-negotiated and shortened to end of 2026 and everything else stays the same, but some team members shuffle as staffs leave as they are not happy about this.

2 - Max leaves for Mercedes and Red bull do a merry go around and sign George Russell. Lawson gets dropped and Linbald and Hadjar make up the final line up

4 - Max leaves for Mercedes and Ford convinces Red Bull to Bring Sergio Perez back for 2026 alongside Tsunoda, Lawson gets dropped and Linbald and Hadjar make up the final line up

5 - Marko leaves but Max stays, and well again shorter contract

[-wkst-]

In that leaked farewell speech he says he will "still remain employed by the company", so there is some garden leave period then.

Well, he has a contract until 2030, he will stay employed, unless both parties reach an agreement for premature cancellation (which will cost RBR some millions...). But I guess he won't count for the cap, as they will move him to the technology company.

Posting above is half correct as usual.

Yoovidhya only transfered his personal 2% RB stake to a trust company in Switzerland, he didn't sell it, at least nothing is public. So the Thai's will highly likely still have the majority.

[tinuva]

Ohh i got some tea...
For info Sacking is very inline with the Thai owners transferring their 2% to a Swiss based trust (Fides Trustees SA) thus losing majority stake in the team (this is due to an issue in Thailand that's slowly creeping up (although being hidden from all mainstream media) about the hit and run case of his younger son that might be brought back to light after the prosecutor that dismissed his charge where put in prison for abuse of power to help him. Losing stake can reduce on Red Bull ownership in the future. Very likely the 2% there that was transferred off to the trust will be bought back or will likely move(or maybe just his son) there if the situation gets worse in Thailand. Now Thai owners were backing to keep Horner while the Austrians didn't as they really wanted Lauren Mekes to take the team in 2024 which was why he came from Ferrari in the first place after the allegations but maybe even before but Horner had a bit of support from the Thai side.

This support became bigger especially during the Sergio Perez issue in which the Austrian side wanted to keep him (Mark especially not his father but his father passed away which is where Sergio gained the Austrian sides support from Mark and convincing Ford to join together and why he was confident he won't leave the team in 2024) But the Thai side sided with Horner and issue become even bigger as Lawson was selected instead of Tsunoda although this one is a bit confusing cause there are conflicting reports about this. Now with the issues for Thai owner the Austrian side took advantage. They now have a limited amount of time before the Thai owners get the 2% under control or buy it back unless well they don't in which case the Austrians will stay in control for the foreseeable future. Which leaves Max Verstappen.....

From here on it's speculation so don't quote me on this but The Austrian Side has given Max a choice. Marko will be fired soon and it's upto Max to stay if he wants, but i think Max already knew this so is now looking at Mercedes and now 50% likely to move to Mercedes depending upon Marko decision. Marko's firing will likely be announced just around the same time Max's move to Mercedes is announced if he takes it. Mark has taken the time to also fire everyone that's not on his side including Oliver Hughes and Paul Smith.

Hers what's likely gonna happen next (1 being likely, 5 being delusional but don't rule out)

1 - Marko and Max continue to stay but contract re-negotiated and shortened to end of 2026 and everything else stays the same, but some team members shuffle as staffs leave as they are not happy about this.

2 - Max leaves for Mercedes and Red bull do a merry go around and sign George Russell. Lawson gets dropped and Linbald and Hadjar make up the final line up

4 - Max leaves for Mercedes and Ford convinces Red Bull to Bring Sergio Perez back for 2026 alongside Tsunoda, Lawson gets dropped and Linbald and Hadjar make up the final line up

5 - Marko leaves but Max stays, and well again shorter contract

and # 3 ?

[euv2]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2 ... appen-jos/

Best article I have read so far, the sacking seems to have been massively influenced by Jos (goes into more detail with Silverstone spat) and Marko. Also, the Austrian side wanted to have more power with regards to operations of the team and its divisions, Christian was basically the head of everything RBR. The combination of more power for Austria, poor relations with Marko/Jos who threatened VER switch and weak performance of team all added up.

Pretty short-term thinking from Minztlaff and Mark if they think siding with Jos was worth more than the long term stability. The team will definitely suffer in performance, even more so if Horner gets a role in a rival team, where he could easily use his influence to grab key RBR personnel.

[smellybeard]

1. Exactly the timing I would expect if Horner's engine project is going badly.
2. This is exactly the scenario that selling a large chunk of the team to Porsche was meant to stop.

Horner owns this.

[PowerandtheGlory]

From the outside, the writing was on the wall. Sauber have outscored RB last few races (ok allowing for Max's DNF in Austria) the second RB car finished plum last in Britain with a penalty- while Hulk went from 19th to 3rd in a slower car..... Well done Wheatley and team. The second car has been a debacle and that responsibility sits with Horner. The biggest issues was the threat of losing Max, their prime asset. after losing Newey and Wheatley.. I think Max will now control the team long term with Marko.. something he can now guarantee.. he may be offered shareholding to stay- the first year of there new regs will be tough for the new engine.. I think they will keep him sweet by offering him some other racing things to do (if he wants) Horner will go to Ferrari to replace Fred at the end of they year.. it won't be long term there as its unlikely his family will move to Italy too.. Sergio will go to Cadillac.. and likely Zoyu as commercially it will be more important in the early years.. when they get a decent car they might bring in a star driver later.. Redbull should promote Bortolleto he seems the best fit.. Hajar to lead Racing bulls.. a lot of this has been reported in other media channels. It's seems like the most likely outcome. Redbull staff will be incentivised to stay..

[WardenOfTheNorth]

From the outside, the writing was on the wall. Sauber have outscored RB last few races (ok allowing for Max's DNF in Austria) the second RB car finished plum last in Britain with a penalty- while Hulk went from 19th to 3rd in a slower car..... Well done Wheatley and team. The second car has been a debacle and that responsibility sits with Horner. The biggest issues was the threat of losing Max, their prime asset. after losing Newey and Wheatley.. I think Max will now control the team long term with Marko.. something he can now guarantee.. he may be offered shareholding to stay- the first year of there new regs will be tough for the new engine.. I think they will keep him sweet by offering him some other racing things to do (if he wants) Horner will go to Ferrari to replace Fred at the end of they year.. it won't be long term there as its unlikely his family will move to Italy too.. Sergio will go to Cadillac.. and likely Zoyu as commercially it will be more important in the early years.. when they get a decent car they might bring in a star driver later.. Redbull should promote Bortolleto he seems the best fit.. Hajar to lead Racing bulls.. a lot of this has been reported in other media channels. It's seems like the most likely outcome. Redbull staff will be incentivised to stay..

Bortolleto?? He's not a Red Bull backed driver is he??

[F1NAC]

From the outside, the writing was on the wall. Sauber have outscored RB last few races (ok allowing for Max's DNF in Austria) the second RB car finished plum last in Britain with a penalty- while Hulk went from 19th to 3rd in a slower car..... Well done Wheatley and team. The second car has been a debacle and that responsibility sits with Horner. The biggest issues was the threat of losing Max, their prime asset. after losing Newey and Wheatley.. I think Max will now control the team long term with Marko.. something he can now guarantee.. he may be offered shareholding to stay- the first year of there new regs will be tough for the new engine.. I think they will keep him sweet by offering him some other racing things to do (if he wants) Horner will go to Ferrari to replace Fred at the end of they year.. it won't be long term there as its unlikely his family will move to Italy too.. Sergio will go to Cadillac.. and likely Zoyu as commercially it will be more important in the early years.. when they get a decent car they might bring in a star driver later.. Redbull should promote Bortolleto he seems the best fit.. Hajar to lead Racing bulls.. a lot of this has been reported in other media channels. It's seems like the most likely outcome. Redbull staff will be incentivised to stay..

Bortolleto?? He's not a Red Bull backed driver is he??

Bortolleto was part of McLaren drivers programme

[Watto]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2 ... appen-jos/

Best article I have read so far, the sacking seems to have been massively influenced by Jos (goes into more detail with Silverstone spat) and Marko. Also, the Austrian side wanted to have more power with regards to operations of the team and its divisions, Christian was basically the head of everything RBR. The combination of more power for Austria, poor relations with Marko/Jos who threatened VER switch and weak performance of team all added up.

Pretty short-term thinking from Minztlaff and Mark if they think siding with Jos was worth more than the long term stability. The team will definitely suffer in performance, even more so if Horner gets a role in a rival team, where he could easily use his influence to grab key RBR personnel.

I think the threat of Max leaving and bowing to Jos there is a pretty dangerous game, Eric that the Verstappens leak through said there had not been a decision made on where to be next year and it would be made in coming races. It wasn't really a we are commited to RBR and his contract, if he stays and Jos becomes unhappy is team performance is poor next year and comments publicly or just walks this year

[basti313]

Ohh i got some tea...
For info Sacking is very inline with the Thai owners transferring their 2% to a Swiss based trust (Fides Trustees SA)

What are you putting into your tea in the morning???
To me these assumptions on the Thai are always funny. The Thai and Marc are having a 11Billion business together as shareholders. You really think they are fighting for power about their F1 toy??? Go back to your sandbox and better discuss this with your friends there

Also, the Austrian side wanted to have more power with regards to operations of the team and its divisions, Christian was basically the head of everything RBR.

I am still not sure what this has to say:
- Hornor was the CEO at Red Bull Racing. Nothing more, nothing less. As a CEO he of course has freedom to operate, but in classic corporate regime with a board above.
- Horner never had a say in the driver program. Marko is the official director, Horner could not even sign anything for this.
- Horner never had a say in RB, same same...he is not named in the Registro delle Imprese. He is also not allowed to have a word on them by the F1 rules.

Also: Up to all we know, they just assign a new CEO. He will have the same powers as the CEO before and "the Austrian side" can sack him or let him do his job....no idea where any more "power" should come from...

[euv2]

Also, the Austrian side wanted to have more power with regards to operations of the team and its divisions, Christian was basically the head of everything RBR.

I am still not sure what this has to say:
- Hornor was the CEO at Red Bull Racing. Nothing more, nothing less. As a CEO he of course has freedom to operate, but in classic corporate regime with a board above.
- Horner never had a say in the driver program. Marko is the official director, Horner could not even sign anything for this.
- Horner never had a say in RB, same same...he is not named in the Registro delle Imprese. He is also not allowed to have a word on them by the F1 rules.

Also: Up to all we know, they just assign a new CEO. He will have the same powers as the CEO before and "the Austrian side" can sack him or let him do his job....no idea where any more "power" should come from...

It's mentioned in the article that the Austrian side wanted to take back marketing control as a start, perhaps more would follow but Horner was an obstacle. I'm sure there a restructuring incoming at RBR, more intune with the way the Austrian side wants to run it. It feels like the Verstappen camp wanted some changes too to the personnel that were fired along with Horner, so another thing that wouldn't have been possible without sacking him.

We've heard from multiple sources that Sergio's 2 year deal was attributed to Horner, also the promotion of Lawson. I'm sure Marko was heavily involved but the final decision for RBR was probably with Horner, with Marko more responsible for promoting/demoting to and from the junior team.

[TeamKoolGreen]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2 ... appen-jos/

Best article I have read so far, the sacking seems to have been massively influenced by Jos (goes into more detail with Silverstone spat) and Marko. Also, the Austrian side wanted to have more power with regards to operations of the team and its divisions, Christian was basically the head of everything RBR. The combination of more power for Austria, poor relations with Marko/Jos who threatened VER switch and weak performance of team all added up.

Pretty short-term thinking from Minztlaff and Mark if they think siding with Jos was worth more than the long term stability. The team will definitely suffer in performance, even more so if Horner gets a role in a rival team, where he could easily use his influence to grab key RBR personnel.

All Horner needs is to get ahold of that Saudi money and he'd be a co-owner at Enstone. And the pipeline of staff from Milton Keynes to Enstone would start to flow. Maybe get Monster Energy as a title sponsor.

Very very short sighted move indeed

[Watto]

Also, the Austrian side wanted to have more power with regards to operations of the team and its divisions, Christian was basically the head of everything RBR.

I am still not sure what this has to say:
- Hornor was the CEO at Red Bull Racing. Nothing more, nothing less. As a CEO he of course has freedom to operate, but in classic corporate regime with a board above.
- Horner never had a say in the driver program. Marko is the official director, Horner could not even sign anything for this.
- Horner never had a say in RB, same same...he is not named in the Registro delle Imprese. He is also not allowed to have a word on them by the F1 rules.

Also: Up to all we know, they just assign a new CEO. He will have the same powers as the CEO before and "the Austrian side" can sack him or let him do his job....no idea where any more "power" should come from...

It's mentioned in the article that the Austrian side wanted to take back marketing control as a start, perhaps more would follow but Horner was an obstacle. I'm sure there a restructuring incoming at RBR, more intune with the way the Austrian side wants to run it. It feels like the Verstappen camp wanted some changes too to the personnel that were fired along with Horner, so another thing that wouldn't have been possible without sacking him.

We've heard from multiple sources that Sergio's 2 year deal was attributed to Horner, also the promotion of Lawson. I'm sure Marko was heavily involved but the final decision for RBR was probably with Horner, with Marko more responsible for promoting/demoting to and from the junior team.

It feels like a bit of scape boating to me even if some truth - the board could easily enough - especially with the support of Yoodidia to remove the control of CH keeping him as say TP but move others into control of other departments its what board do and have done plenty of times in the past. I don't think much happens without Markos approval either . Some are putting all the heat on Horner for the engine depending how the is tracking but iirc, Marko was also a big part of the reason DM pulled out of the Porsche deal. You wouldn't get the funding for that without the owners approval. CH early on was a puppet but by the end he no doubt had plenty of of control and influence .

No doubt he is at fault too for RBR downfall too but I can't help but feel all the leaks of the last 18 months have come quite often from the Austrian side to destabilise Horner - I think there is a lot of truth to it but also one sided .

[basti313]

It's mentioned in the article that the Austrian side wanted to take back marketing control as a start, perhaps more would follow but Horner was an obstacle.

Why is he an obstacle? If they want to restructure, they can do it. With Minzlaff and Rotsch they have two other directors in RBR next to Horner, now Meckies.
It is just not what you do, if you disagree on such fundamental things you just do not elongate the contract of the CEO. Horner could never elongate his contract by himself, this was done in February by the ones who sack him today. So I do not buy these fundamental disagreements and power discussions. Horner was out of power in February, he had to sign a new contract.

I'm sure there a restructuring incoming at RBR

That is usual if you sack a CEO.

It feels like the Verstappen camp wanted some changes too to the personnel that were fired along with Horner, so another thing that wouldn't have been possible without sacking him.

Hughes was always counted as one of the strong allies of Verstappen. Hughes was doing the marketing campaign around Verstappen, also and especially around the Netherlands. He is also counted as the one for the special sponsor deals where Verstappen earns a load of money.
I rather think he was just sacked for being a Horner ally. Maybe there is still something with the assistant issues. But if you want to link him to Verstappen...it would be not more but a sign for Verstappen leaving, because with Verstappen leaving his whole marketing strategy is dead.

We've heard from multiple sources that Sergio's 2 year deal was attributed to Horner, also the promotion of Lawson. I'm sure Marko was heavily involved but the final decision for RBR was probably with Horner, with Marko more responsible for promoting/demoting to and from the junior team.

Why Marko? The only one who can sign contracts is Horner (or legaly Minzlaff and Rotsch, maybe as second signature in such high volumes), Marko does not appear in the register, I strongly doubt he can sign anything.
Of course they sack Horner for the bull$hit he did, Perez was one of these errors. But the worse thing is the Porsche deal and the tech team breaking to pieces. Or again...his whole strategy falling apart with Verstappen.

I would rather see Marko in a bad position, because the driver program is not working. But the link to the described politics and the Thai is just weak...