Charles Leclerc expressed happiness and confidence following Ferrari's announcement of Fred Vasseur's multi-year contract extension as team boss, praising Vasseur's clear vision and leadership qualities that have positively impacted the team.
Ferrari's surprise renewal of Fred Vasseur as F1 team boss reflects the team's confidence in his leadership, emphasizing long-term foundation-building, recent improvements, and support from drivers, with a focus on preparing for the 2026 regulations overhaul.
Christian Horner has bid farewell to Red Bull's operational role but remains employed by the team on paid leave as negotiations over his contract termination continue, following his successful tenure as team principal with multiple championships.
Christian Horner was unexpectedly sacked as Red Bull Racing team principal after 20 years, amid a challenging period for the team including internal tensions and recent losses, with Laurent Mekies appointed as his replacement. The decision follows a tumultuous 18 months for Horner, including allegations of misconduct and team struggles, but his leadership had previously led Red Bull to multiple championships, including a record-breaking 2023 season. The change in leadership may influence Max Verstappen's future with the team.
Laurent Mekies, an experienced engineer and motorsport executive, has been appointed as the new CEO of the Red Bull F1 team, succeeding Christian Horner. With a background spanning Formula 1 engineering, FIA safety regulation, and Ferrari management, Mekies now faces the challenge of leading Red Bull's expanding operations amid ongoing development projects and internal challenges.
Graeme Lowdon, former Marussia Sporting Director, has been appointed as the Team Principal for General Motors' Formula 1 project, which aims to join the grid as an 11th team in 2026 under the Cadillac brand. Lowdon, who has been advising the project for two years, brings extensive motorsport experience and will lead the team as GM also plans to enter as an engine supplier. The project has already assembled a team of over 280 staff, including notable figures from the motorsport industry.
Graeme Lowdon has been appointed as the team principal for Cadillac's new Formula 1 team, set to join the grid in 2026. Lowdon, who has extensive experience in F1 and other motorsports, was instrumental in reworking GM's proposal after a previous bid with Andretti F1 was rejected. The appointment marks a significant step for Cadillac as it prepares to enter the sport under new regulations.
Former F1 driver Jos Verstappen, father of Max Verstappen, has called for the departure of Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, citing tension and the risk of the team being torn apart. Red Bull denies the claims, stating unity within the team and focusing on racing. An independent investigation cleared Horner of alleged inappropriate behavior, but leaked messages have since surfaced, prompting further controversy. Horner denies any wrongdoing, while Verstappen denies being the source of the leaked messages and expresses support for his son's position at Red Bull.
A hearing into allegations against Red Bull F1 team principal Christian Horner is set for Friday following an "independent investigation" into misconduct allegations, which Horner denies. The timing is awkward as it coincides with the team's car launch and pre-season testing. Speculation about potential power struggles and Horner's future at the team has emerged, with the investigation being taken seriously by Red Bull's parent company. The resolution is expected to be reached diligently, but the timing poses challenges for the team's upcoming events.
Red Bull's Team Principal, Christian Horner, is facing an internal investigation for alleged inappropriate behavior, with reports suggesting the complaint involves "inappropriate, controlling behavior" and an "aggressive management style." The investigation comes just before the team's RB20 launch for the 2024 season, and if the allegations make continued employment impossible, Red Bull may need to find a new team boss at short notice. Potential replacements include internal options like Jonathan Wheatley and Pierre Waché, as well as the team's Chief Technical Officer, Adrian Newey.
Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, known for his charismatic and colorful personality, has been replaced by former director of engineering Ayao Komatsu after 10 years in charge. Despite Steiner's popularity and success in recruiting the team's title sponsor, MoneyGram, the decision was made due to the team's underperformance, finishing bottom in the constructors' championship last year. Steiner's blunt outspoken attitude and limited budget success were admired, but the team's inability to develop their own direction for the car has been a repeated setback. Komatsu will focus on the team's performance with a new role being created to handle non-competitive management.
Guenther Steiner's departure from Haas raises questions about the team's future, as owner Gene Haas replaces him with rookie team boss Ayao Komatsu. Steiner, known for his blunt and no-nonsense attitude, played a crucial role in establishing the team and has been a popular figure in the paddock. Haas' struggles to show progress, lack of investment, and outdated facilities have led to speculation about Gene Haas' long-term ambitions in F1. The departure of Steiner and technical director Simone Resta suggests a shift in the team's direction, while the appointment of Komatsu as team boss raises concerns about the team's future performance.
Guenther Steiner has left his role as Team Principal of Haas F1 Team, with Ayao Komatsu being promoted to replace him. Steiner, who led the team since 2016, has been succeeded by Komatsu, who has been with the team since its debut. The decision comes after discussions between Steiner and owner Gene Haas, with the aim of improving the team's on-track performance. Komatsu, with over 20 years of experience in Formula 1, will focus on maximizing the team's potential through employee empowerment and structural process efficiency.
Guenther Steiner is out as Haas F1 team principal after a poor 2023 season, with owner Gene Haas opting not to renew his contract. Ayao Komatsu will take over as team principal, focusing on improving on-track performance and maximizing the team's potential through employee empowerment and efficiency. Steiner's departure follows tension with Haas over the team's technical direction and investment, while Komatsu aims to lead the team to improved results with the support of the organization and partners.
Alpine has announced that Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer and Sporting Director Alan Permane will leave the team after the Belgian Grand Prix by mutual agreement. Pat Fry will also depart the team, joining Williams as their Chief Technical Officer. Bruno Famin will serve as the Interim Team Principal, Julian Rouse as the Interim Sporting Director, and Matt Harman will lead the technical team at Enstone.