Red Bull CEO Opens Up on Horner Departure as 2026 F1 Order Shake-Up Predicted
Red Bull's CEO has explained the decision to replace Christian Horner, signaling a new era for the team. Meanwhile, an F1 insider predicts the 2026 regulation changes will drastically reshuffle the grid, with power unit efficiency becoming the ultimate differentiator and potentially leaving some manufacturers behind.
Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has publicly addressed the decision to part ways with long-time team principal Christian Horner earlier this year, while a former F1 strategist predicts a significant reshuffling of the competitive order for the 2026 season due to new power unit regulations.
Why it matters:
The departure of a figure as central to Red Bull's identity as Horner marks a major cultural shift for the reigning champions. Concurrently, predictions of a 2026 shake-up highlight how the upcoming technical revolution could redefine team fortunes, making the current off-season a critical period of preparation for the next era.
The details:
- Horner's Exit Explained: Mintzlaff cited the need for a "new chapter" and fresh leadership as core reasons for the change, ending Horner's 20-year tenure that included multiple drivers' and constructors' championships with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
- 2026 Order Prediction: Former Aston Martin strategist Bernie Collins forecasts a major change in the pecking order, stating that success will hinge almost entirely on the efficiency of the new, simplified 2026 power units. She anticipates at least two manufacturers will struggle with the transition.
- Verstappen's Future: Despite a challenging 2025 season, Mintzlaff expressed strong confidence that Max Verstappen will see out his career with Red Bull, dismissing speculation of a premature move to a rival team.
- Ferrari's Testing Focus: Team Principal Fred Vasseur confirmed Ferrari will bring a basic "Spec A" car to January's private Barcelona test, prioritizing reliability checks and data gathering over outright performance, a approach he expects rivals to mirror.
- Wolff Praises Russell: Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff labeled the team "lucky" to have George Russell, praising the British driver's standout 2025 campaign which included two wins and a fourth-place finish in the standings.
Looking ahead:
The combined narrative of leadership changes, driver market stability, and looming technical regulations sets the stage for a pivotal period. Teams are now balancing the immediate development of their 2026 cars with managing current operations, as the groundwork for the next competitive cycle is laid. Red Bull's new leadership and all teams' progress on the 2026 power unit will be under intense scrutiny throughout the coming year.