F1 champion reveals Red Bull doubts after Christian Horner axe

F1 champion Damon Hill has raised doubts over Red Bull's ability to replace axed boss Christian Horner.

Red Bull announced the abrupt change in management last week, with former Racing Bulls boss Laurent Mekies taking over Horner's role as CEO and team principal at the Milton Keynes-based outfit moving forward.

Following Horner's dismissal, Hill, who won the drivers' title in 1996, took to social media to speak out over his concerns for the team's future.

"CH [Christian Horner] enjoyed massive support from the team he built. I really doubt if a replacement will be able to fill those boots," the ex-F1 champion wrote on X

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Hill's post continued: "This might not be the great new beginning some are hoping for. A Palace Coup rarely has good outcomes.

"But it will be a huge story for F1, seeing how this goes."

Horner was visibly emotional as he bid farewell to his colleagues at Red Bull's headquarters last week, and the tributes have since flooded in from those who worked alongside him over two decades at the helm.

It remains to be seen where his future lies, with Alpine and Ferrari touted as two potential destinations.

His surprise exit comes as the Red Bull attempt to salvage what has been a disastrous campaign to date.

Sitting 288 points off leaders McLaren in the constructors' championship, their chances of regaining their crown are all but over with half of the 2025 season remaining.

Their hopes of ensuring it is not to be a trophyless year now rest with defending drivers' champion Verstappen, but the Dutchman lost further ground to McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris at the British GP last time out , and requires an extraordinary turn of events to occur if he is to collect a fifth title in succession.

With speculation over his own future continuing to dominate the headlines, Red Bull - and Mekies - have an uphill struggle in front of them as they begin a new era.

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