Sebastian Vettel weighs in on shock Christian Horner Red Bull exit

Sebastian Vettel has admitted he was “surprised” by the news that Christian Horner had parted ways with Red Bull earlier this year.

Just days after the British Grand Prix, Red Bull communicated that Horner had been removed from his team principal post after 20 years in charge.

The Briton was replaced by Laurent Mekies, who stepped up after 18 months in charge of the sister Racing Bulls squad.

Horner was at the forefront of the Red Bull team when Vettel enjoyed his successful championship-winning stint from 2010 to 2013.

When asked how he reacted when he heard about Horner's exit, Vettel told Sky F1: “Surprised.

“Christian has been there for so long, since the very beginning, and knows this team inside out. I think for this year everything was in place.”

Since Mekies has taken charge of the Red Bull squad, various Red Bull figures have commended the atmosphere implemented by the Frenchman.

Vettel asserted Mekies has big shoes to fill to carry on Horner's work.

“I know Laurent as well, the successor, and I’ve worked with him and he’s a really, really great person, but I think Christian left some big footsteps. 

“Not just because of all the success he’s had with the team, but also I think he was such a central part of the team – he knew what was going on and so on.

“I’m not completely aware of the organisation, the structure, and especially the plan for the future, but that’s where I think it’s valid to say, let’s wait and see how it turns out.”