Red Bull's Shocking Horner Sacking and Other 2025 F1 Surprises
From Christian Horner's stunning dismissal to Oscar Piastri's shocking title collapse, the 2025 F1 season was defined by unexpected events that reshaped the grid and set the stage for a fascinating 2026.
The 2025 Formula 1 season delivered its share of stunning upsets, most notably Christian Horner's unexpected dismissal from Red Bull. The year was also defined by Oscar Piastri's dramatic title collapse from a dominant position and the breakthrough performances of unexpected talents like Isack Hadjar, while Williams surged to a surprising fifth in the standings, reshaping the competitive landscape.
Why it matters:
These events signal significant power shifts within the sport. Horner's departure marks the end of an era and a complete cultural reset for a team that has defined F1 for nearly a decade. Piastri's collapse highlights the immense pressure and razor-thin margins of a title fight, while the rise of drivers like Hadjar and teams like Williams proves that the established order is more fragile than it appears, creating new narratives and contenders for the future.
The details:
- Red Bull's Revolution: Christian Horner was sacked after the British Grand Prix, a move that stunned the paddock as he had seemingly survived the previous year's controversy. This triggered a massive overhaul, with key figures like Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley, and Helmut Marko also departing, leaving Laurent Mekies to lead a complete cultural reset of the team.
- Hadjar's Heroics: Rookie Isack Hadjar, initially seen as a placeholder for Arvid Lindblad, silenced critics with a stellar campaign. After a difficult start, he secured five points finishes in eight races, including a stunning podium at Zandvoort, and thoroughly dominated his teammate Liam Lawson 21-6 in qualifying to earn a Red Bull promotion for 2026.
- Piastri's Collapse: Oscar Piastri looked destined for the title after winning seven of the first 15 races, building a lead of over 30 points on his teammate and more than 100 on Max Verstappen. However, his season suffered a seismic drop-off in the second half, with crashes and a loss of confidence seeing him fall to third in the championship behind both Norris and Verstappen.
- Williams' Surge: Despite focusing development on the 2026 regulations, Williams jumped to fifth in the constructors' championship. The strategic signing of Carlos Sainz, who delivered two well-deserved podiums, combined with Alex Albon's consistent performance, allowed the team to maximize its resources and capitalize on the underperformance of rivals like Aston Martin.
Looking Ahead:
The aftershocks of these surprises will define the 2026 season. Red Bull faces an uncertain future as it attempts to rebuild its winning identity under new leadership. A motivated Oscar Piastri will be eager to reclaim his title-challenging form, while Isack Hadjar's arrival adds another dynamic element to the Red Bull driver lineup. Meanwhile, Williams has built strong momentum with a solid foundation and a potent driver pairing, positioning them as a legitimate threat to the midfield's established order.