Horner: Slightly Sh!tting Myself, I Would Say

Late last month, in a pre-Goodwood shakedown of a Red Bull RB7, campaigned during the 2011 F1 season, Horner stepped in for four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel, a role he approached with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Before taking to the track. Having not driven an F1 car since 1993, the Red Bull boss was facing a unique challenge, he said: "We're going to celebrate 20 years, driving the cars at Goodwood, running as many of them up the hill as we can. I'm actually driving the RB7. It's a pre-Goodwood shakedown, so I’ve never driven one of our cars before."

What started as an offhand suggestion soon became reality. Horner said: "I can't remember who suggested it.

"They said, why don't you drive the car up the hill? I thought, do you know what? I've never driven one of our cars, so why not?' But the nerves were evident: 'How long before we can go? 20 minutes? I won’t bother with a cup of tea then, I might throw up," he added.

As the RB7 roared to life, Horner quickly realised the immense power beneath his right foot. He remaked: "Feels like an awful lot of power."

However, once out on track, he was left in awe of the car’s capabilities, he commented: "What really surprised me was just how smooth the power delivery and the gear shifts. Absolutely brilliant—I didn’t want to stop. Down the Hangar Straight, I got into seventh, flat. F@ckin’ hell! It just keeps pushing."

The experience provided Horner with a fresh appreciation for the drivers who have raced under his leadership. He reflected: "I think it's good to be reminded how difficult Formula 1 is.

"The pressure’s on—not just in front of tens of thousands of people, but from our own employees, mechanics, and engineers. They were all just waiting for me to stall on the pull away from the line."

The shakedown was just the beginning, as Red Bull’s 20-year celebration took centre stage at Goodwood.

"To be in Goodwood with all these cars and drivers, past and present, is going to be a really special moment. It’s a milestone for the team, and there’s no better place to celebrate than at Goodwood," the Briton maintained.

A line-up of Red Bull’s most iconic drivers—including Christian Klien, Mark Webber, Daniel Ricciardo, Max Verstappen, and Sergio Perez—took part in the festivities. As Horner successfully completed his run, he reflected on the significance of the moment.

"It’s bloody fast, but a great experience, and a sense of relief. It’s good to get to the end, and the car’s in one piece," Horner quipped.

For Horner, driving the RB7 wasn’t just about the thrill—it was a moment of pride. He said: "Having never driven a Red Bull car before, it’s a hugely proud moment to drive a car that was designed and built by the men and women in Milton Keynes, and which won our championship in 2012.

"To see all the cars together was a great moment, and it gives me even more respect for the amazing drivers we've had and currently have. There’s truly no better place to celebrate 20 years than at Goodwood.

"It’s been a magical weekend," declared Horner, who according to RBR won't be called up to sub for Max Verstappen or Liam Lawson anytime in the future!

Horner is the longest-serving F1 team principal, heading Red Bull's F1 project since 2005 when it morphed from Jaguar to become what it is today, a powerhouse at the pinnacle of the sport. With the might and commitment of Ford on board, rivals should be concerned.