Performance Issues Were Key Reason For Horner's Sacking, According To Red Bull Advisor Marko

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Red Bull's advisor, Helmut Marko, disclosed that Christian Horner's dismissal was mainly due to performance issues. After two decades with Red Bull, Horner was relieved of his duties as team principal and chief executive. During his tenure, the team secured six constructors' titles and eight drivers' championships. However, recent months have seen a decline in Red Bull's performance, coinciding with the exit of key personnel like designer Adrian Newey.

Horner also faced allegations of inappropriate behaviour earlier in 2024 but was cleared after two internal investigations. Despite these challenges, Marko emphasised that the primary reason for Horner's departure was the team's subpar performance on the track. "The decision was made by management," Marko told Sky Germany. "We informed Christian Horner of it in London and thanked him for 20 years and eight world titles."

Laurent Mekies has been appointed as the new team principal for Red Bull. Marko highlighted Mekies' engineering skills as a crucial asset for the team. "Luckily, we were able to bring in Laurent Mekies from within the Red Bull family," Marko stated. He noted that Mekies' role would focus primarily on racing, leveraging his engineering expertise to tackle Formula 1's complex technology.

Marko expressed confidence in Mekies' ability to communicate effectively with staff and help Red Bull regain its competitive edge. "We've already seen that he communicates very well with the staff," Marko added. "We're hopeful that we can gradually return to the top."

Mekies will concentrate on technical aspects and racing while other departments handle marketing, the RB17 project, and Powertrains. This division of responsibilities allows him to focus entirely on achieving racing success. The company employs 2,000 people, ensuring each department can operate efficiently without overlapping duties.

Marko believes this strategic approach will benefit Red Bull in their quest to reclaim their position at the forefront of Formula 1 racing. "I believe that's definitely an advantage," he said, noting that other teams have adopted similar strategies before them.

Red Bull aims to leverage Mekies' expertise to improve their track performance significantly. With a clear focus on racing and technical development, they hope to overcome recent challenges and achieve future successes in Formula 1 competitions worldwide.