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Topics: Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing, Formula 1, Motorsport, Max Verstappen
Ben McCrum
Topics: Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing, Formula 1, Motorsport, Max Verstappen
Jeremy Clarkson has revealed exactly what he texted Christian Horner after the former team principal was sacked by Red Bull.
After more than 20 years as team principal, Horner lost his job at Red Bull racing earlier this week as an official statement confirmed that he had been sacked, with Laurent Mekies replacing him.
Although it is not known exactly what led to the decision, it is likely that Red Bull's lacklustre season so fair played a role, alongside rumours that star driver and four-time champion Max Verstappen could leave to join rivals Mercedes next year.
It is not yet known what is next for Horner, although rumours have suggested that Ferrari could be considering offering him a job as the replacement for current team principal Fred Vasseur.
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And now, popular television personality has shared details of what he texted Horner as soon as news of his dismissal was made public.
Alongside the performances on the track, some have speculated that Red Bull's investigation into Horner following allegations of inappropriate behaviour made by a female colleague last year may have also played a role in him losing his place at the team.
Writing in his column for The Sun, Clarkson hit back at these claims, stating that nobody can know exactly what led to Horner's dismissal, while revealing that he texted the former Red Bull chief to let him know that he will no doubt come back from this moment.
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“I’m not going to speculate here on why it’s happened because, unlike the women of Instagram and all the other armchair pundits, I simply do not know,” Clarkson wrote.
"I sent him a text after the news of his dismissal broke, pointing out that I’ve been in his shoes in the past.
“I explained that when you wake the following morning, it’s easy to think, “Well, that’s that, then”.
“But in my case, that wasn’t that. I hadn’t trodden on a snake. I’d trodden on a ladder. And I bet he does, too.”
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Clarkson went on to speculate what exactly could be next for Horner, suggesting that, while the “clever money is saying he’ll go to Alpine”, the 51-year-old will have plenty of options available to him.
He added: "Ferrari? Possibly, but that would mean upping sticks and moving to Italy. And dealing with Sir Hamilton.
“Audi is coming into the sport next year, and Cadillac. And there’s talk the Chinese are making F1 noises.
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“And all of them would jump at the chance of getting Horner.”