Hill casts doubts over Horner's replacement's abilities

21:25, 09 Jul

Updated: 06:17, 10 Jul

byLuke-John Buckle

Red Bull is suffering amid a very difficult spell in Formula 1, as Christian Horner was dismissed after 20 years with the team.

The Austrian team have been incredibly tough to beat in recent years, both on and off the track, but they are now floundering behind McLaren in particular. Horner's departure may only make life more difficult for Red Bull.

Red Bull are struggling in the Constructors' Championship as Yuki Tsunoda is yet to string together a run of points-scoring finishes.

Max Verstappen is also third in the standings and now 69 points behind the championship leader, Oscar Piastri.

The 1996 Formula 1 world champion Damon Hill took to his X account and wrote that he feels Horner's replacement, Laurent Mekies, will struggle to live up to his predecessor's legacy.

Hill said: "This might not be the great new beginning" for Red Bull

Mekies will take over from Horner after being promoted from Racing Bulls. Hill said: "Christian Horner enjoyed massive support from the team he built. I really doubt if a replacement will be able to fill those boots.

"This might not be the great new beginning some are hoping for. A Palace Coup rarely has good outcomes. But it will be a huge story for F1, seeing how this goes."

Red Bull have struggled this season as Verstappen is often left alone at the front of the field as Tsunoda languishes further behind.

The four-time world champion has to battle Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren who all have two competitive drivers.