Red Bull boss Christian Horner has revealed he never considered quitting his role, despite the turbulent moments that occurred during the 2024 Formula 1 season.
Max Verstappen sealed his fourth straight Drivers’ Championship with two races to go, but Red Bull’s drastic mid-season dip resigned it to losing the Constructors’ title.
Red Bull’s dwindling competitiveness wasn’t the sole obstacle it had to contend with last term, though, as that decline came amid a backdrop of events unrelated to the racing.
The team’s dominant start to the campaign was overshadowed with question marks over Horner’s position as a probe into alleged inappropriate conduct was opened.
Horner was exonerated via an internal investigation, but Max Verstappen’s father Jos asserted that he should step down as his presence could “tear apart” the team.
Verstappen Sr indicated that his viewpoint had been vindicated when design guru Adrian Newey and Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley informed Red Bull of their desire to leave to take up new roles with Aston Martin and Sauber respectively.
But Horner, who’s reiterated that Red Bull has the depth to cope with notable exits, credited Verstappen’s win to the team not allowing the upheaval to be a distraction.
“Reflecting on a year where we won nine races, had nine pole positions, four Sprint race victories, and defended the Drivers’ Championship with two rounds to go… It’s testimony to how Max has driven this year, but also to the team, and never giving up – remaining focused on on-track performance,” Horner told PlanetF1.
“It certainly was a very challenging year. There was a lot to deal with but we always remained focused on on-track.
“Obviously, we’ve had a few changes in the team, as well, but we’re evolving for the future, and I think we’re in good shape for that.
“My passion has always been the competition. That’s what I get out of bed for. Once a racer, always a racer. When the lights go out, that’s what it’s all about.”
Horner never contemplated Red Bull departure
Although the spotlight was on him as the competition closed on Red Bull, Horner has insisted that vacating the role he’s held since 2005 was never a contemplation.
“I’ve never, ever had that thought cross my mind, to be honest with you,” he underlined.
“There’s a very exciting next chapter coming up with Red Bull Powertrains – it’s the biggest challenge we’ve taken on in the 20 years that we’ve been in the sport.
“I think the next chapter is potentially one of the most exciting chapters. You’re always learning in this business.”
Horner relishing 2026 challenge
Horner is alluding to Red Bull’s nascent engine venture, where it is partnering with American automotive giant Ford to assemble a power unit to the new 2026 rules.
Despite acknowledging the vast experience gap it has to established marques such as Ferrari and Mercedes, Horner is certain Red Bull has all the tools to succeed.
“2026 will be a complete reset, and building your own power unit, four years ago, we had a clean sheet of paper,” the Briton recalled.
“In four years, we built a factory and developed an engine, but we’re taking on 75 years of experience with Ferrari and 30 years with HPP (Mercedes High-Performance Powertrains), so we have no illusions. The mountain that we have to climb is immense, but, with the right spirit, and the right quality people that we have within the business, it will be achievable.
“It’s by far the biggest challenge that we’ve taken on in Formula 1.”
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