F1 2025: Christian Horner Red Bull axe left legend 'shocked'

Formula 1

Christian Horner Red Bull axe left F1 legend 'shocked'

Christian Horner was sacked from his role as Red Bull team principal

Kevin McKenna

Tuesday 15 July 2025 21:00

F1 legend and champion Nigel Mansell has revealed his 'shock and horror' at Christian Horner's axe from Red Bull.

The 51-year-old served the team for 20 years and was responsible for their rise to the top of F1, winning eight drivers' titles and six constructors' championships.

Horner's departure sent shockwaves through the sport and beyond, with many of his peers and former team-mates taking to social media to pay tribute to his career.

Now, 1992 world champion Nigel Mansell has given his reaction to F1's biggest story of the year.

“I think just like the racing fans, I didn’t know what Red Bull were doing, so yeah it came as quite a shock and surprise,” he told Aceodds.

Will Red Bull struggle without Horner?

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“To do this mid-season, whatever the reasons are, it’s not helpful for the team,” he explained. "The team will miss him, there will be a transitional period.

"It will be a struggle for Red Bull to be as competitive as they would’ve wanted to be for 2025 now.”

Horner's exit follows another frustrating weekend for the team at the British Grand Prix earlier this month.

Their hopes of competing for the 2025 constructors' championship were already over before arriving at Silverstone, while defending drivers' champion Max Verstappen lost more ground to McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in the drivers' standings.

The Dutchman could also follow Horner out of the door, with Mercedes a potential option should he decide to move on.

Horner's future is also undetermined at this stage and he will serve a period of gardening leave until January 2026,. However, his name has already been linked with a number of high-profile positions, most notably at Ferrari and Alpine.

NASCAR Red Bull Christian Horner Racing Bulls Laurent Mekies Nigel Mansell