Internet explodes after Horner's Dismissal: 'Verstappen to Mercedes, confirmed!

12:08, 09 Jul

Updated: 12:44, 09 Jul

byNicole Mulder

The news that Christian Horner has been dismissed with immediate effect as CEO and team principal of Red Bull Racing has led to a wave of reactions on social media. Fans, followers, and Formula 1 insiders are voicing their opinions on X en masse.

Internet reacts massively to Horner's dismissal

Horner has been at the helm of the team since 2005 and was closely involved in the successes of Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. Despite a contract until 2030, the Briton has now been ousted following discussions between shareholders Chalerm Yoovidhya and Mark Mateschitz, and sports chief Oliver Mintzlaff.

The news hit like a bombshell. On X, a flood of responses to the news followed. Many fans are clearly not sad about the team principal's departure, while others immediately take the opportunity to bring in Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

Speculation about Max Verstappen is also rife: fans are wondering if Horner's dismissal was because the Dutchman had already decided to move to Mercedes, or if the decision was made precisely to prevent him from leaving.