Four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel has warned that Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull could have a negative impact on the team in the future.
Horner was sacked by Red Bull in July after 20 years at the helm, despite the team winning the drivers’ championship in each of the four seasons up to 2025.
Vettel, who will retire from driving in 2022, won all four drivers’ titles during his six years with Red Bull from 2009 to 2014.
Asked by Sky Sports F1 ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix what he thought about Horner’s departure, Vettel said: “I was surprised. I mean, Christian has been there since the beginning, he knows this team, he knows this team inside out.”
“I think everything fell into place this year.”
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Sky Sports’ Craig Slater looks back at Christian Horner’s 20 years as Red Bull CEO and team principal.
Horner was quickly replaced by Laurent Mequise, who had worked alongside Vettel at Toro Rosso until the 53-time race winner was promoted from Red Bull’s junior team in 2009.
Despite his clear respect for Mekies and the team’s improved results since the sport’s summer break, Vettel warned there could still be challenges as a result of Horner’s departure.
“I know my successor Laurent, I’ve worked with him, and he’s a really great guy,” Vettel said.
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Lewis Hamilton believes rumors linking former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner with a move to Ferrari are a “distraction” for the team.
“But I think Christian left some big marks, not only because of his success with the team, but also because he was a central figure on the team and knew what was going on and things like that.
“We don’t have a complete understanding of the organization and the structure, especially the future plans, but I think it’s fair to say, let’s see how that goes.”
Vettel: Discussions over Red Bull’s role did not attract any attention
Vettel also revealed that he had held talks about taking a role at Red Bull, but said the talks “didn’t gain any momentum”.
Vettel spent six years with Ferrari after leaving Red Bull, spending the final two seasons with Aston Martin before retiring in 2022.
The German’s strong links with the team mean he has been mentioned as a potential future Red Bull team principal, or to replace Helmut Marko, the team’s motorsport advisor who has long overseen driver selection for both teams’ four seats, including Vettel.
Asked if he could be part of Red Bull’s future, Vettel replied: “I don’t know. I read about it too, there was a lot of talk about it, etc.”
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Four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel has unveiled his latest project, the Bazin Corner, which features a collection of beehives at Turn 2 of Japan’s iconic Suzuka circuit.
“I talked to Helmut a little bit, but things didn’t come together and we couldn’t get any momentum.”
The 38-year-old has appeared in the paddock several times since his retirement, mostly in support of the environmental initiatives he is passionate about.
Vettel does not seem interested in an imminent return to the sport, but has not ruled out a return in the future.
“For me, I think I’m pretty happy with where my life is right now,” he said.
“I love F1. At first I wasn’t sure whether to continue watching it because I need to get more mileage, but I watch and follow the races and I just love the sport, so I love F1. I know the players, so we’re still close in that regard.”
“And there may be roles that I would be willing to step up to if the right opportunity, position, position or whatever, but time will tell.”
F1’s thrilling title race continues until the Las Vegas Grand Prix from November 21-23, broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
