Red Bull Formula 1’s team principal Christian Horner has made a shock admission as the team prepares for a major exit. – Sports cycle

Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Formula 1, has made a surprising admission as the team braces for a significant departure.

The years 2025 and 2026 will usher in numerous changes to the sport, with Red Bull especially undergoing a significant transformation as the upcoming season begins.

Wheatley is set to become the team principal for Audi’s F1 project in 2026, but he has reportedly begun a period of gardening leave before officially leaving his current team. This means he cannot yet work with Sauber, which will transition to Audi in 2026. In a surprising statement on the situation, Horner disclosed that he actually supported Wheatley’s decision to depart once the offer from Audi was made. Horner expressed that it presented an excellent opportunity for Wheatley while also allowing Red Bull to promote internal talent. “I’m sure he’ll be an asset to Sauber,” Horner told RacingNews365.

The role of a team principal varies greatly across different teams, depending on their specific responsibilities and functions. Typically, the position is primarily focused on trackside activities. Much will also hinge on the dynamic between them and Mattia Binotto.

“He had been ambitious about this for quite some time, so when the opportunity arose, I encouraged him to seize it. This move not only opens up opportunities for others here at Red Bull but also serves as a significant step forward in his career. I fully supported and motivated him by saying, ‘Go on, go for it! You’ll regret it if you don’t.'”