Christian Horner reflects on two decades with Red Bull Racing, celebrating world titles, rivalries, and a legacy shaped by bold ambition.
Twenty years ago, Christian Horner began his first season as a Formula 1 team principal. He was appointed to lead the newly rebranded Red Bull Racing, built upon the structure previously abandoned by Jaguar. Looking back on two decades and over 400 Grands Prix, Horner takes pride in what has been accomplished.
“We all have dreams and aspirations in life,” Horner told PlanetF1. “But I think what’s happened over the past 20 years has exceeded all my wildest dreams and hopes.”
“So far, it’s been an incredible journey: 124 wins, 14 world championships, 106 pole positions… we are the most successful team of the 21st century. We’ve achieved a lot in a short time, and it feels like it’s all gone by so quickly!”
The Briton explained how Red Bull CEO Dietrich Mateschitz selected him to lead the team, thanks to a recommendation from Helmut Marko: “Helmut had a Formula 3000 team, and I had raced against his team and won three consecutive championships.”
“Helmut recommended me to Dietrich, after I worked on their junior program with Liuzzi in 2004. Dietrich always believed in giving young people a chance. He saw ambition in me and supported it. Of course, the early years were challenging, but he always gave me immense backing.”
Red Bull Joined the “Elite Group” in 2009
Claiming a race win and then a championship the following year were, of course, key moments for both Red Bull and Horner as team principal: “The first win was massive — a 1-2 finish in China in 2009 (photo above). Suddenly, we had won and joined an elite group.”
“Then that first championship a year later, against all odds, in Abu Dhabi with Sebastian [Vettel], when four drivers were still in contention going into that race — it was another monumental moment.”
In truth, Red Bull’s title push that year was not entirely “against all odds,” as Mark Webber was second in the championship heading into the final race, and Red Bull had already secured the Constructors’ title after finishing runners-up in 2009.
“Then we repeated the feat at the same venue in 2021, after an epic battle between Lewis [Hamilton] and Max [Verstappen], between Mercedes and us — with Mercedes having dominated for eight or nine years. To come back and win that title again was a huge moment.”
Interestingly, the one moment Horner regrets most over the years was the 2005 United States Grand Prix, when only six cars started: “Looking back, I think about Indianapolis 2005 and feel we could have done a better job.”
“A lot was going on, and teams running with a particular tyre manufacturer didn’t race. I think, as a sport, we could have done better at the time. You’re always learning in this business. Always. If I had to choose one moment over these 21 years, it would be that one.”
When asked about his ideal driver line-up, Horner combined his two world champions, with Daniel Ricciardo as reserve: “That’s an easy one! Max and Sebastian, with Daniel as reserve and David Coulthard as ambassador!”
“My Heart and Soul Are in This Team”
Horner, currently at the center of rumors about a potential departure from Red Bull, reaffirmed his loyalty to the team — especially with the Red Bull Powertrains project set to enter competition: “Over the years, I’ve had different approaches, and it’s always flattering to be linked with another team, as they are all great teams.”
“But my heart and soul are in this team. I’ve invested a huge part of my life in it, and I feel a responsibility toward the people. It’s a group of 2,000 people, and I’m very excited about building our own engine. It really is the next chapter for us — bringing everything together under one roof.”
“You know, how many people have done that? It’s a massive challenge, but also a great opportunity, and it’s a project we really believe in as an organization. It’s the people who make a team, and they’re the ones I’m deeply connected to.”
“The team, of course, but also the shareholders who have supported us, the sponsors and partners — we now have 58 partners I’ve been tasked with integrating into the team, and we have excellent relationships with many of them. It’s an important part of my life.”
“We Are the Rebels”
Horner takes pride in the support he’s received throughout a turbulent journey — one he often frames in terms of being misunderstood. Red Bull has willingly embraced the villain role over the years, regularly backing drivers pushing the limits or defending the indefensible.
In Horner’s view, this is partly why Red Bull has faced frequent criticism, a role he fully embraces: “I think the people around you… when your back’s against the wall, you find out who your friends are.”
“The level of commitment and loyalty in this team is unparalleled. It’s a phenomenal group of individuals working as a unit. We’re written about, and more things are thrown at us than at any other team, perhaps because we’re the rebels.”
“We don’t conform, we’ve always been a bit different, and that’s something Dietrich always encouraged. Be yourselves. Don’t be a manufacturer’s puppet. We have a voice. Don’t be afraid to use it.”
With a contract running through 2030 and a career spent under intense scrutiny, Horner isn’t contemplating retirement: “I’ll keep going as long as I have the same passion and motivation. I just have a bit more experience to draw from now, and a few battle scars along the way — but those harden you in many ways.”
