Red Bull theory shared after Christian Horner sacking as driver 'will be pleased'

Ralf Schumacher believes one F1 driver will be delighted that Christian Horner has been relieved of his duties by Red Bull. Earlier this week, the 51-year-old was removed as team principal in a bombshell announcement following the British Grand Prix. He spent two decades as Red Bull's leading man, overseeing six Constructors' Championship titles.

Horner also managed two of the greatest drivers in F1 history, with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen each winning the Drivers' Championship on four occasions. It was not all plain sailing, though, given that many Red Bull drivers failed to impress and were unceremoniously ditched.

The likes of Sergio Perez, Pierre Gasly and Alexander Albon are just some of the names to have floundered at Red Bull in the past. More recently, Liam Lawson was sacked after just two races of the current campaign and replaced by Yuki Tsunoda.

It has been a difficult start for the Japanese driver, who has finished no higher than ninth in his opening 10 races with Red Bull. However, it has been claimed by Schumacher that Horner's exit could bring about a change in fortunes.

Laurent Mekies, who Tsunoda worked under at sister team Racing Bulls, has been promoted to the top job and Schumacher is convinced it will be a successful partnership.

"[Mekies is] an incredibly experienced man, very close to the technology," he told Sky Sports Germany.

"He understands the car, was also at Ferrari for a very long time, knows his way around and also has that human element that Red Bull has been lacking a bit recently.

"Yuki Tsunoda will also be pleased to have this boss, who will support him a little more. Logically, they know each other very well."

Mekies will bring a fresh perspective to Red Bull and Schumacher believes it was the right call to promote from within, rather than poach a big name from elsewhere in the paddock.

"I think that was a very good decision and, above all, it also shows this dynamic at Red Bull with these two teams, how you build up personnel or even people in the sister team and then take them up," he added.

Mekies will make his debut in the Red Bull garage at the Belgian Grand Prix later this month. He will certainly be hoping for a winning start, but McLaren's pace advantage will make it hugely difficult for his new team to claim the spoils.

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