Oliver Mintzlaff, director of Red Bull Austria, reflects on the dismissal of Christian Horner last July. The now former team boss joined Red Bull in 2005, and due to his ‘outstanding record of service’, it was not an easy decision for the Austrian racing stable to let Horner go. ‘We felt it was time to turn the page,’ explains Mintzlaff.
Christian Horner’s time at Red Bull came to an end last July after more than twenty years. The British team boss was shown the door by the Austrians after the desired results were not achieved by the team in the first half of the season. Red Bull boss Oliver Mintzlaff explains to De Telegraaf why the company took such a drastic measure. “I wouldn’t call it a risk, because we were one hundred percent behind this measure,” explains the director of Red Bull. “Because we knew we had to do something. I’m not someone who just fires people. Christian has an outstanding record of service with the team and has achieved many successes. Everyone here in the company, including myself, appreciates him for what he has done.”
However, according to Mintzlaff, it was time to say goodbye to the former team boss. “You can’t keep leaning on history and we felt it was time to turn the page and start a new chapter. That was not an easy decision, but we didn’t rush into it either.”
Marko’s Departure
Horner was not the only senior executive who had his last day at Red Bull in 2025. Advisor Helmut Marko also left after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Austrian, upon his departure, revealed some details about his strained relationship with Horner. “Those words about Christian are on Helmut’s account,” responds Mintzlaff, when asked about Marko’s statements. “I can’t say anything negative about Christian. Simply because he has meant a lot to Red Bull. But there always comes a time when things don’t go well and then as a company, you have to make a decision. Do you give someone more time, or is it time for a new leader? We thought it was time for a change. I don’t agree with Helmut’s statements.”
