Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer said the “suddenness” of Christian Horner’s Red Bull departure “caught everyone off guard,” and leaves the team “in a real tight spot.” Horner was relieved of his duties as CEO and team principal of Red Bull last week, with Racing Bulls team boss Laurent Mekies elevated to take on the mantle in his place.

By sacking Christian Horner, Red Bull has made a big change to try to return to F1 winning ways. But there are other steps it must take, too

As the dust settles on Christian Horner's shock departure from Red Bull, this is how the team’s prospects look for the remainder of the 2025 F1 season