Christian Horner wants to become CEO of Red Bull GmbH
Red Bull Racing faces an internal power struggle following the death of co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz, as Team Principal Christian Horner aims to consolidate control, risking key personnel departures and partnerships.
Red Bull's greatest test
In the wake of Dietrich Mateschitz's passing in October 2022, the globally renowned Red Bull corporation is facing its most significant challenge to date – an intense power struggle within its Formula 1 team.
The clash, triggered by Team Principal Christian Horner's alleged overreach for authority, has thrust the brand into an unprecedented crisis, with daily headlines eclipsing the team's on-track success.
Shifting dynamics
During Mateschitz's illness, Horner grew increasingly close to Red Bull's majority owner, Chalerm Yoovidhya, who holds a 51% stake in the company.
With Mateschitz's death, the balance of power shifted, and Yoovidhya, previously silent due to contractual obligations, has allied with Horner, sparking a series of high-stakes maneuvers.
Ousting attempts and vetoed partnerships
According to German Bild, Horner's first move was an attempt to oust Dr. Helmut Marko, the architect of Red Bull's F1 team and Horner's long-time supporter.
Horner also vetoed advanced partnership talks with Porsche in September 2022, frustrating Mateschitz but leaving the ailing founder too weakened to intervene.
Consolidating control
Emboldened by Yoovidhya's support, Horner has pursued various strategies to consolidate control.
He initially sought a stake in the Red Bull Racing team but was denied. However, he secured the marketing rights from the sister team, AlphaTauri.
Rumors suggest Horner has set his sights on the CEO position at Red Bull GmbH, currently held by Oliver Mintzlaff, Franz Watzlawick, and Alexander Kirchmayr.
Key personnel departures
Horner's power play has sparked concerns about potential key personnel departures.
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Design genius Adrian Newey, whose cars have won 25 World Championships, is rumored to be in advanced talks with Ferrari, fulfilling his desire to work with Lewis Hamilton before retiring.
Even Max Verstappen, the team's star driver, is reportedly open to a move, with Mercedes looming as a potential destination.
Partnerships at risk
The controversies surrounding Horner have also put Red Bull's partnerships at risk.
The CEO of Ford, Red Bull's engine supplier from 2026, demands a transparent investigation into alleged misconduct by Horner towards an employee.
Additionally, the American supermarket giant Walmart is considering removing Red Bull products from its shelves due to sensitivity around violations of women's rights.
Cracks in Mateschitz's legacy
As the power struggle intensifies, cracks are beginning to show in Dietrich Mateschitz's life's work.
The Red Bull brand, once synonymous with sporting excellence and boundary-pushing innovation, now finds itself embroiled in a leadership crisis that threatens to undermine its very foundations.
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