Christian Horner exit surprises long-time Red Bull figure: 'It's hard to realise'

Long-time Red Bull figure Sebastien Buemi has revealed his surprise at the departure of Christian Horner, something he has outlined as being "hard to realise" until he next visits the team. 

Buemi's relationship with Red Bull dates back to his first visit to the Milton Keynes-based outfit in 2006, with him having since held several roles within the organisation. 

The Swiss driver raced for its sister team from 2009-2011, but in recent years has been one of Red Bull's main simulator drivers. 

Horner's exit as team principal after just over 20 years leading Red Bull was announced on Wednesday morning, with Buemi being unsure why the departure has taken place. 

When asked by RacingNews365 for his immediate reaction to Horner's departure, Buemi said" "Yeah, kind of surprised. So I found out, like everyone else [on the internet]. 

"I didn't speak to many people there, so I don't really have an idea of how the situation is. But of course, you know for sure there is some reasons, I'm not aware of any. When I go there [to Milton Keynes]... I was there last week to do the race report. 

"I think next time, now I'm not [there] for quite a bit, because they have the break, and I think I'm back for Zandvoort. But yeah, I guess I'll know more when I'm back there."

Horner very respected

Horner had been Red Bull's only team principal in the squad's F1 history since it entered the pinnacle of motorsport in 2005, highlighting the significant of the exit. 

Discussing if he can imagine Horner not being Red Bull's team principal, Buemi responded: "Yeah, it's hard to realise until you get to see it. But yeah, I know he had a few words for the team before he left.

"So of course, he's achieved really a lot. And even the first time I went to Red Bull, I think it was 2006 and now how it is, you can't even compare, you know, the campus, how big it is, and what it has achieved. It's pretty impressive."

During his time as Red Bull's boss, Horner led the team to six constructors' titles, eight drivers' titles and 124 victories, etching his name into the history books as one of the most successful F1 team bosses.

Asked if Horner's accomplishments went under the radar, Buemi answered: "Well, I don't know this. I don't know. I think everyone knew he's done a good job.

"And, I mean, I think everyone respected very much what he did on the whole way through. You don't win so much by luck. So I think people knew."