Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen (L) talks to Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner
1997
Horner, then an ambitious young driver on the fringes of F1, founded the junior team Arden alongside his father. A year later, recognizing his limitations behind the wheel, he hung up his helmet to focus on team management. Arden’s success with emerging talent quickly earned attention in racing circles.
2005
Ford, eager to exit F1 after a disappointing stint with Jaguar, found a buyer in Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz. The energy drink giant rebranded the team, and at just 32, Horner was appointed team principal, the youngest in Formula 1 at the time. Red Bull initially earned a reputation as a flashy “party team,” more known for its off-track antics than podium finishes
2009
That narrative changed when Sebastian Vettel secured Red Bull’s maiden F1 victory at the Chinese Grand Prix. It was the first of what would become 124 race wins under Horner’s stewardship.
2010-2013
Vettel’s triumph in 2010 began a run of four consecutive drivers’ titles, fending off fierce challenges from Ferrari and from within, as tension grew with teammate Mark Webber
2016
Red Bull’s next generational star arrived when 18-year-old Max Verstappen, freshly promoted from Toro Rosso, shocked the paddock by winning on debut for the team in Spain, becoming the youngest race winner in F1 history
2019
The Netflix series Drive to Survive debuted, offering fans unprecedented access. Horner’s sharp wit, open rivalry with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, and glimpses into his life with pop star wife Geri Halliwell turned him into one of F1’s most recognizable figures
2021
Horner played a central role in one of F1’s most explosive seasons as Verstappen edged Lewis Hamilton to the title after a fiercely disputed finale in Abu Dhabi. The controversial last-lap decision only deepened the icy feud between Horner and Wolff
2023
Red Bull reached staggering heights, winning all but one race en route to Verstappen’s third drivers’ crown and a sixth constructors’ championship — their most dominant campaign yet.
2024
Pre-season headlines were dominated by allegations of inappropriate conduct against Horner by a team employee. Two separate investigations commissioned by Red Bull cleared him, and Horner continued in his role as Verstappen secured a fourth title. However, cracks showed as rivals closed the performance gap
2025
With Verstappen’s future clouded by rumors of a switch to Mercedes and Red Bull grappling with an increasingly underwhelming car ahead of sweeping 2026 regulations, the team abruptly cut ties with Horner. The decision sent shockwaves through the paddock, ending the tenure of a team boss whose leadership style, fierce rivalries, and relentless pursuit of success had defined an era in Formula 1
(With AP inputs)
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