Former Red Bull junior driver Dan Ticktum has rejected the popular theory about Christian Horner being ousted with immediate effect from the team, calling the whole saga a “drama” and stressing that he does not believe anything that is published by the media about his sudden exit.
Horner’s exit announcement came after the British Grand Prix weekend, which saw him step down from the position of CEO and team principal in one day. Red Bull named Laurent Mekies as his successor. What added to the surprise for many was the concealment of the reason for Horner’s ousting, especially since he had served the team for 20 years.
The former team boss is said to have known about his exit the evening before the public announcement. Ticktum, who was part of Red Bull’s junior team from 2017 to 2019, refuses to believe the theory that Horner was unaware of it in advance. Speaking to GPBlog, he said:
“I don’t know. I just don’t believe anything I read in the media about it. You know, Formula 1 is such a cesspit of rumours and crap, so unless you hear it from both parties – or all parties face to face – I don’t read any of it.
“Yes, it’s been a drama, sacked with immediate effect. Do I think they would have not told him at all?”
Red Bull has dropped several drivers in the last few years who were unable to deal with the pressure of racing alongside Max Verstappen. It is noteworthy that Yuki Tsunoda is Verstappen’s third teammate in the past year. Ticktum took a light jab at Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko, who plays a key role in finalizing the team’s driver lineup. He added:
“I know Helmut Marko has got a reputation for dropping drivers like that, so it’s [Horner’s sudden exit] not impossible.”
The 26-year-old driver, who now races in Formula E, acknowledged the great things Horner did for Red Bull and hinted that the former team boss will return to a “prominent” role. He said:
“He’s achieved a lot in his time. He’s done some pretty incredible things. So, I would say he’ll be in a prominent role somewhere else next, but we’ll see.
Horner, who has been linked to a return with the Alpine F1 team as a shareholder, posted his thoughts on social media following his Red Bull departure. He wrote:
“After an incredible journey of twenty years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the Team I have absolutely loved. Every one of you, the amazing people at the factory, have been the heart and soul of everything that we have achieved. Win and lose, every step of the way, we have stood by each other as one and I will never forget that. It’s been a privilege being part of and leading this epic Team and I am so proud of our collective accomplishments and you all.
“Thanks to the amazing partners and fans who enabled us to go racing. Your support has helped grow the team from its humble beginnings to an F1 powerhouse that laid claim to 6 Constructors Championships and 8 Drivers Championships.
“Equally, thank you to our rivals, with whom there would be no racing at all. You’ve pushed us, challenged us, and enabled us to achieve accolades we never dreamed possible. The competition has made every victory sweeter and every setback an opportunity to develop and grow.
“Formula 1 is a sport built on relentless ambition, passion, and respect. The rivalries have been fierce, but the mutual drive to innovate and raise the bar is what has made this journey so special.
“It’s been an honour to be part of this incredible era of motorsport. I leave with immense pride in what we’ve achieved and also with what’s in the pipeline for 2026 – and huge respect for everyone who’s made F1 the pinnacle it is today. Thank You.”
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