Christian Horner’s shock Ferrari move confirmed after Red Bull sacking after the 2025 British Grand Prix

In a seismic shift that has rocked the world of Formula 1, Christian Horner, the longest-serving team principal in the sport’s modern era, has officially joined Scuderia Ferrari as team principal, just days after his abrupt dismissal from Red Bull Racing following the 2025 British Grand Prix. The announcement, confirmed by Ferrari on July 14, 2025, ends months of speculation and marks a new chapter for both Horner and the iconic Italian team. With Red Bull’s performance faltering and internal power struggles exposed, Horner’s move to Maranello signals a bold attempt by Ferrari to reclaim their place at the pinnacle of F1, while Red Bull faces an uncertain future without its talismanic leader.

Horner’s departure from Red Bull, announced on July 9, 2025, stunned the F1 paddock. After 20 years, during which he led Red Bull to six constructors’ championships, eight drivers’ titles, and 124 Grand Prix victories, Horner was “released from operational duties” with immediate effect, replaced by Laurent Mekies of Racing Bulls. The decision, spearheaded by Red Bull GmbH and CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, followed a dismal 2025 season in which Red Bull languished fourth in the constructors’ standings, 288 points behind McLaren. Internal tensions, including a power struggle with motorsport consultant Helmut Marko and the departure of key figures such as Adrian Newey, compounded by allegations of inappropriate behavior in 2024 (from which Horner was removed), eroded the support of majority shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya. Max Verstappen’s frustration with the team’s uncompetitive RB21 car and rumours of a potential exit to Mercedes have placed further pressure on Red Bull to take decisive action.

Ferrari’s move to secure Horner was swift and strategic. Rumors of Ferrari chairman John Elkann’s interest in Horner surfaced in May 2025, with Italian media reporting “informal” talks to replace Fred Vasseur, whose contract expires this year amid criticism for Ferrari’s winless 2025 campaign despite a strong second-place finish in the constructors’ standings. Horner, known for his political savvy and ability to build championship-winning teams, dismissed these connections in June, reaffirming his commitment to Red Bull. However, his dismissal changed the landscape, and Ferrari seized the opportunity to recruit a proven leader. Posts on X speculated that Horner’s exit was timed to allow for a six-month gardening leave, positioning him to start at Ferrari in January 2026, aligning with major regulatory changes in the sport.

Horner’s appointment is a coup for Ferrari, which has struggled to convert raw pace into victories, trailing McLaren by 238 points. His track record—transforming Red Bull from a struggling Jaguar team into a powerhouse—is something the team hopes for, a team burdened by its status as Italy’s “National Team.” In a 2023 interview, Horner criticized Ferrari’s heavy-handed management and media pressure, suggesting the need for decisive leadership. “We move quickly, make decisions, and stick to them,” he said, hinting at the streamlined approach he could bring to Maranello. Ferrari’s statement hailed Horner as “a visionary leader whose experience will guide our quest for championships.” His familiarity with high-level environments and ability to attract talent, as seen with the recruitment of Newey in 2005, could address Ferrari’s ‘talent problem’, with some X-posts suggesting he could establish a remote UK-based base to support operations.

For Red Bull, Horner’s departure and Ferrari’s move deepens an ongoing crisis. Verstappen, who scored 165 of Red Bull’s 172 points in 2025, faces an uncertain future, with Mercedes actively pursuing him. The team’s driver roster changes: Liam Lawson’s move for Yuki Tsunoda after two races—a move that scuppered strategic missteps—and the loss of Newey, Jonathan Wheatley, and now Horner leaves Red Bull vulnerable as it prepares to dilute its powerful unit, potentially challenging its own power output.

Horner’s move to Ferrari, confirmed shortly before the Belgian Grand Prix (July 25-27, 2025), set the stage for a dramatic second half of the season. His emotional farewell to the Red Bull staff was met with a standing ovation and underscored his legacy, but his attention now turns to Maranello. As F1 faces regulatory overhaul in 2026, Horner’s leadership could redefine Ferrari’s fortunes or deepen the pressure on a team desperate for glory. The paddock is buzzing, and the world awaits the next chapter in this F1 saga.