A Red Bull driver said he was “disappointed” when he discovered Christian Horner had been fired.
Red Bull sacked Horner following the British Grand Prix, much to the surprise of many. Horner was not given a reason for his dismissal at the time. Horner was fired in part due to the “uneasy relationship between Horner and the Verstappens”, reported Craig Slater on Sky Sports.
Many have since asked how Max Verstappen has been affected by this situation as rumours intensify about Verstappen’s desire to join Mercedes. Another Red Bull driver has spoken up to say he was upset by the news.
Christian Horner’s sacking was “disappointing”, says Isack Hadjar
Isack Hadjar, who drives for Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s sister team, said he was saddened by the news of Horner’s firing.
Speaking to Slater, he said, “When it was announced, I was on the sim. It was quite disappointing when I heard the news.
“I had a great relationship with him; I still have it, and I will. It’s a bit sad for every team member because he was very appreciated, but I’m very happy for him and his new missions now.”
In Horner’s place, Racing Bulls Team Principal Laurent Mekies took charge of Red Bull. Hadjar has proved himself in his rookie season in F1 in front of Mekies, so he was thrilled about that news as he looks for an eventual promotion to the first team.
About who he wants in charge of Red Bull, he said, “I always hope it’s someone who knows I’m fast. That’s him, so it always helps.”
Liam Lawson does not express Isack Hadjar’s sympathies for Christian Horner
Hadjar’s teammate, Liam Lawson, did not share his sympathies. Lawson was dropped by Red Bull after two races at the start of this season, but kept his cards close to his chest about Horner.
Instead, he spoke about Mekies, and Racing Bulls’ new Team Principal, Alan Permane, who was promoted in Mekies’ place.
Lawson said, ”Laurent, I’m sure, is going to be very good at Red Bull, and having Alan, who has been at the team for a couple of years now, is perfect for us. For us, it’s exciting.”
| Position | Constructors' Standings | Points |
| 1 | McLaren Racing | 460 |
| 2 | Scuderia Ferrari | 222 |
| 3 | Mercedes-AMG Petronas | 210 |
| 4 | Red Bull Racing | 172 |
| 5 | Williams F1 Team | 59 |
| 6 | Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber | 41 |
| 7 | Racing Bulls | 36 |
| 8 | Aston Martin F1 Team | 36 |
| 9 | Haas F1 Team | 29 |
| 10 | Alpine F1 Team | 19 |
Racing Bulls showed good form to start the season, and Hadjar is yet to be knocked out of Q1 all season. But recent results have seen them fall to seventh in the standings behind the in-form Sauber.
The team will have to work through the overhaul at the top to climb back up the standings with what has been a solid car on race performance this season.