“Stunned Silence” the Only Reaction to Red Bull Origins

Christian Horner currently holds a significant position within the Formula 1 fraternity. The former racing driver started his own business at a young age before taking over as team principal of Red Bull Racing. After 18 years, when his team has won back-to-back driver’s championships, bringing their total up to 6, Horner seems more motivated than ever. Furthermore, the manner in which the news was announced about his team principal position at Red Bull back in 2005 may add further intrigue to this description.

Christian Horner was appointed team principal of the brand-new Red Bull squad (or the re-branded Jaguar team) on January 7, 2005. However, with this, the team, which had been competing for Jaguar earlier, was taken by surprise. Moreover, Horner’s welcome coincided with the farewell of Jaguar team principal Tony Purnell and managing director David Pitchforth.

There was an uneasy atmosphere within the team when the move occurred. According to The Times, “The news [of the appointment of Horner] was met with stunned silence when a team meeting was convened at the Milton Keynes factory to announce the changes, reflecting their affection for Purnell and Pitchforth.”

Little did everyone know the success the Brit was about to bring to the team back then.

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The Red Bull team manager’s efforts are admirable. He not only stuck with the squad through thick and thin, but he also taught them how to fight for victory. Thanks to his approach that the team has been successful after a protracted slump since 2013. However, looking back on the old days, the 49-year-old admitted his first day wasn’t great.

Christian Horner discussed his first day at work at Red Bull

Horner designed the team’s road map to success. The Briton, who was the youngest team boss, joined Red Bull as the team principal at the age of 31. However, the staff wasn’t happy to have him onboard. The Red Bull manager was chosen for the role as a result of his outstanding F3000 performance.

The Briton revealed specifics of what transpired on his first day at the Milton Keynes headquarters on the High-Performance podcast.

He said, “I was 31 years of age when I walked through the front door and I was a kid. It was a much bigger environment than what I had come from. I think there was complete dismay that they had put some kid in charge. The whole factory was pulled together, the previous team principal had been fired that morning and, tah-dah, this is Christian Horner, he’s going to be the new team principal.”

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The team has produced some of the best drivers in the history of the sport in the past 18 years and now is on a winning streak. But they will undoubtedly encounter some stiff opposition from two of its major rivals in the upcoming years. Given that, do you anticipate that Milton Keynes will maintain its dominance?