Horner's sacking ruined Verstappen's title shot? Mansell charges against Red Bull

17:22, 12 Jul

Updated: 17:29, 12 Jul

byNorberto Mujica

Christian Horner's dismissal from Red Bull Racing caught the F1 community by surprise, and Nigel Mansell is one of them. The British former world champion took the news with 'a bit of a shock and a bit of horror.'

After 20 years and 14 titles, Horner's Red Bull Racing stint has come to an end. Mansell, a friend of the now former Austrian team's boss and CEO spoke to a betting site and revealed the 'horror' with which he took the news, as a recent conversation held between himself and Horner didn't give any indications that Red Bull's axe was ready to fall over the 51 year-old boss.

Horner's exit from Red Bull 'shock and horror' for Mansell

"I was with Red Bull and I spoke to Christian last weekend and there was no inference, no problems or anything. A bit of shock and a bit of horror really."

"No one really has the facts and it would not be professional of me to try and make an opinion but all I can say is the magnificent job Christian Horner has done for 20 years is a testament to his skill and his dedication to the sport. That shouldn't be forgotten."

Max Verstappen at the Silverstone Grand Prix

'Red Bull (and thus Verstappen) to suffer following Horner's departure'

Max Verstappen's chances at the Drivers' title have already seemingly been foregone by the 4-time world champion as after 12 races and with a DNF to his name, the gap to championship leader Oscar Piastri has grown to 69 points.

The British former champion also highlighted the timing of the decision which, he believes, will undoubtedly hurt Red Bull.

Mansell is of the idea that with Horner gone, the Austrian squad will now undergo a transition phase that will prevent them from being as competitive as they could have been.

"To do this mid-season, whatever the reasons are, it's not helpful for the team. The team will miss him, there will be a transitional period."

"It will be a struggle for Red Bull to be as competitive as they would've wanted to be for 2025 now."

This means that, according to the Briton, if Verstappen already had a steep hill to climb before Horner's exit, it's now become even more dramatic of an ascent.

Mansell refrains from commenting on the ins and outs of the decision

"It's very difficult to pass a comment on the inner workings of any team when you don't know the facts."

"All I'd say is motor racing is difficult enough without having these challenges come along at the time they have. Any team would have a huge challenge. Watch this space, whatever happens is going to be interesting, isn't it?"