Horner reveals Red Bull almost fired him two decades before exit

Speaking on the Up to Speed podcast with David Coulthard and Naomi Schiff, the former Red Bull boss recalled how his future was already under threat during his second season in charge. At the time, the team's management was considering whether to retain Horner or replace him with Guenther Steiner.

Coulthard revealed that he had attended a meeting involving Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz and Dany Bahar, during which Horner's future was discussed. The former F1 driver explained that he had supported Horner, believing he had earned the respect of the team's personnel.

Horner then revealed that he had already received a warning about his future ahead of the 2006 Monaco GP: "They gave me a letter before the Monaco race saying my contract wasn't going to be renewed. So, thank God you got that podium," Horner explained, referring to Coulthard's third-place finish in Monte Carlo, which marked Red Bull's first podium in Formula 1.

The Briton described the atmosphere within Red Bull at the time as particularly unstable, admitting that he constantly felt his position was under threat: "It was a very volatile period in the team, and you constantly sort of felt that you were having to look over your shoulder," he continued.

Coulthard pointed out that the situation appeared particularly harsh considering the progress Horner had already made since joining the team in 2005. Among his achievements was the recruitment of Adrian Newey, who would go on to play a crucial role in Red Bull's championship success.

Horner suggested that his reluctance to simply agree with those above him may have contributed to the uncertainty surrounding his position: "I suppose I wasn't conforming to being a yes man, which I've never been. I've always had my own opinions. I've always believed in a way of going about things."

Ultimately, Horner remained in charge and went on to lead Red Bull to eight Drivers' Championships and six Constructors' Championships before his departure in 2025.

Speaking to BILD, Horner did not hold back in his criticism of former Red Bull colleague Helmut Marko, revealing that the two have had no contact since his departure from the team. Their last encounter took place on Horner's final day at Red Bull, when they met in his office and shook hands. Since then, communication between them has completely stopped, something the Briton has no problem with.

Horner also admitted that he was particularly hurt by Marko's involvement in attempts to remove him from his position, especially given the difficult personal circumstances he was facing at the time. His former partner Beverley, the mother of his daughter, had recently passed away, and Horner was disappointed that Marko had not offered his condolences.

The former Red Bull team principal also criticised Marko's treatment of young drivers, which he considered excessively harsh, as well as the alleged leaking of confidential team information to the media, including race strategies and driver-related developments. Nevertheless, Horner acknowledged that some aspects of his own personality and behaviour had also caused frustration for the Austrian.