Horner says Red Bull’s old ‘maverick’ identity is ‘a little different now’
Conceptual AI-generated editorial motorsport illustration; not a documentary photograph or evidence that a pictured event, meeting or transfer occurred. · 2026-10-20GPBeat newsroom · News Made Clear generated illustration
The former team principal says Red Bull once pushed boundaries, but declined to judge how Laurent Mekies runs the team.
Christian Horner says Red Bull’s old boundary-pushing identity has changed, describing the team as “a little different now” more than a year after his dismissal in July 2025.
Speaking to The Guardian, Horner called Red Bull a “maverick team” that pushed boundaries. He cited the decision to build a new Formula 1 engine within an energy-drinks company as an example of that streak; Red Bull Powertrains was created in 2021.
Horner did not offer a verdict on Laurent Mekies’s leadership. Asked about Red Bull’s power structure, he said he could not judge how his former sporting director operates. He identified CEO Oliver Mintzlaff as the most senior figure and Max Verstappen as a major asset; Horner had hired Mekies into Red Bull’s organisation.
The project Horner cited continued after his departure: Verstappen’s 2026 victories in Bahrain and Singapore came in a car powered by Red Bull’s first fully in-house engine.
Sources 01
- SOURCEChristian Horner questions Red Bull’s “Maverick” identity under Laurent MekiesMotorsport.com F1
This article was produced with AI assistance. Source references make its supporting evidence traceable.
Read also
Horner thought Newey was joking when he named Eddie Jordan as manager
Horner says Red Bull shareholders thanked him after first win with its own F1 engine
Christian Horner’s memoir puts F1 career ahead of Red Bull exit, review says
Lindblad says Red Bull's first in-house power unit deserves recognition
Marko dismisses claims in Horner memoir as ‘untruths’