Christian Horner pinpoints new theory behind Red Bull exodus
Christian Horner insisted that there was a straightforward reason behind Red Bull's recent high-level exits.
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Christian Horner (via IMAGO)
Red Bull Racing has been going through a period of turmoil in 2024. An investigation into team boss Christian Horner allegedly created tensions within the team despite being proven not guilty. Several key figures have left Milton Keynes so far this year. However, Horner has now named another reason for this exodus.
The Austrian team first saw aero-genius Adrian Newey quit the team in May this year. This was followed by Jonathan Wheatley announcing his move to Audi-owned Sauber for 2025. Christian Horner has now blamed the F1 cost cap for Wheatley’s exit. Horner stated that the Red Bull Sporting Director was an expensive asset for the team.
It’s tough. Jonathan was a very good sporting director, but he was an expensive asset. So you have to weigh things up.
Christian Horner said, as reported by Autosport
Moreover, the Red Bull team boss asserted that a team can’t afford to have a ‘Galactus’ because of the financial limit. This has forced teams to weigh in all aspects and go for the most ‘bang for buck’ strategy. Ultimately, Horner confessed that the team has had to make some tough calls.
You can’t have a Galactus because you can’t afford it. You’ve got to look at bang for buck and it forces you to make some really tough decisions.
Christian Horner added
Christian Horner claims he did not stop Jonathan Wheatley from leaving Red Bull
The 50-year-old recalled his conversation with Wheatley when he told him about Audi’s offer. Christian Horner claimed that he told Jonathan Wheatley to take up the offer. As Red Bull simply could not provide him with the same level of opportunity due to the cost cap for the foreseeable future.
When he got the opportunity to move to Audi, it was: ‘Do you know what? I think you should go for that because of the way that regulations are. We’re limited in scope and what we can do for you here.’
Christian Horner explained
Certainly, Christian Horner’s comments show that perhaps the mass exodus at Red Bull is not related to the alleged tensions within the team. However, it still remains a cause of concern as the Austrian team has lost some of its brightest minds this year.
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Armaan Agarwal
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