Christian Horner stepped up to the plate and took Sebastian Vettel’s place at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
- Horner, who hasn’t raced a single-seater since 1998, drove Vettel’s championship-winning Red Bull RB8 at Silverstone.
- Vettel missed the event due to a family holiday, leading to Horner being suggested as his stand-in.
- Liam Lawson also participated, driving the current Red Bull RB20 during filming at Silverstone.
- The event was part of Red Bull’s 20th anniversary celebration, featuring Horner among other drivers tackling the iconic hill.
Christian Horner made an unexpected return to the driver’s seat, filling in for Sebastian Vettel at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed. With Vettel off on a family holiday, Horner, currently the principal of the Red Bull team, had the unique opportunity to drive a piece of racing history—the 2012 title-winning Red Bull RB8.
Despite not having driven a single-seater since 1998, Horner embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. “It was fun,” he reminisced about his time at Silverstone, sharing that this was his first encounter with a Red Bull car equipped with a hand clutch and two pedals. The experience, according to Horner, was both an honor and a privilege, allowing him to step into a world champion’s shoes, if only for a weekend.
Liam Lawson joined the Silverstone activities as well, piloting the contemporary RB20 as part of a filming day. Horner’s participation, however, stole the spotlight as fans and professionals alike reflected on the team’s history and its successes over two decades. “Why don’t you drive it?” was the question posed to Horner, leading to this nostalgic drive in a championship car.
The Goodwood event marked a significant moment for Red Bull as it celebrated its 20th anniversary. With Horner and other Red Bull F1 challengers climbing the legendary hill, the festivities also included the showcase of the RB17 hypercar. Designed by Adrian Newey, this remarkable vehicle signals the dawn of a new era in automotive craftsmanship and technology.
The event brimmed with excitement as Max Verstappen, a triple World Champion and current leader of the F1 2024 Championship, prepared to make his mark at Goodwood. This spectacle, intertwined with Red Bull’s rich history and future ambitions, highlighted both the thrill of racing and the enduring legacy of the brand.
Christian Horner’s unexpected stint at Goodwood underscored the spirit of teamwork and passion that defines Red Bull Racing.
