Vettel: Horner exit could hurt Red Bull in the long run

Horner was removed in July after 20 years as team principal, a period in which Red Bull won multiple Constructors’ crowns and every Drivers’ Championship from 2021 to 2024. Vettel, who claimed all four of his titles under Horner between 2010 and 2013, said the decision surprised him and could carry consequences.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 in Sao Paulo, Vettel said of Horners' acrimonous departure from Red Bull: “Surprised. I mean, Christian has been there for so long, since the very beginning, and knew this team, knows this team inside out. I think for this year, everything was in place.”

Mekies took over immediately, rejoining Red Bull after earlier spells at Toro Rosso. Vettel knows the Frenchman well and praised his qualities, but warned that losing Horner’s leadership could still present challenges: “I know Laurent as well, the successor, and I’ve worked with him, and he’s a really great person. But I think Christian left some big footsteps.

"Not just because of all the success he’s had with the team, but also, I think he was such a central part of the team, knew what was going on and so on. I’m not completely aware of the organisation, the structure, and especially the plan for the future, but that’s where I think it’s valid to say, let’s wait and see how it turns out,” Vettel ventured.

Vettel also confirmed that he held discussions about a possible Red Bull role, but the talks never progressed. The German had been linked with senior positions at the team, including a potential advisory role: “I did speak with Helmut Marko a little bit, but it never got anywhere, never gained any traction."

Since retiring in 2022, Vettel has remained visible in the paddock, mainly through environmental projects. While he insists he is content away from racing, he admits he would consider returning if the right role emerged.

“I think for me, I’m fairly happy where I am in life right now,” the 38-year-old insisted. “I love Formula 1. I watch the races and I follow and I love it because I just love the sport. And, I don’t know, if the right opportunity, position, perspective, whatever, turns up or could turn up, maybe there’s a role that I could be happy to step up to, but time will tell.”

Red Bull continue their title push under Mekies with questions lingering over how the post-Horner era will evolve. Vettel’s caution adds another layer to a story that will define the team’s long-term future.