Two more senior Red Bull F1 figures have left their roles following team principal Christian Horner exit with the series of high-profile departures at Milton Keynes raising speculation of a huge fallout.
In a move that has sent ripples throughout the Formula 1 paddock and beyond, two of Horner’s closest allies Oliver Hughes and Paul Smith have left their senior roles at the energy drinks manufacturer.
The news comes hot on the heels of the dramatic exit of Christian Horner himself, who, after two decades at the helm was released from his role as Team Principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing.
The departure of Hughes and Smith, both key figures in the team’s communications and marketing apparatus, signals a profound shift in the internal dynamics of the organization and raises questions about the future direction of the reigning F1 powerhouse.
The circumstances surrounding these departures are as complex as they are significant. Horner’s leadership was synonymous with Red Bull Racing’s meteoric rise in Formula 1, overseeing an era that delivered eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles.
The 51-year old’s management style was characterized by a centralized approach, with trusted lieutenants such as Oliver Hughes, the Group Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, and Paul Smith, the Group Director of Communications, occupying critical positions within the team’s structure.
Both men were seen as extensions of Horner’s vision, instrumental in shaping Red Bull’s brand identity and managing its public narrative during periods of triumph and turbulence alike.
Oliver Hughes joined Red Bull in 2017, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his tenure at Electronic Arts. Over the years, he ascended through the ranks and ultimately assumed responsibility for the team’s global marketing strategy.
His influence extended beyond traditional sponsorship and branding; Hughes was pivotal in forging innovative partnerships and expanding Red Bull’s reach into new markets, leveraging the team’s on-track success to reinforce its image as a leader in both sport and lifestyle.
Under his stewardship, Red Bull’s marketing campaigns became industry benchmarks blending cutting-edge creativity with a deep understanding of Formula 1’s global audience.
Paul Smith, meanwhile, joined Red Bull in 2022 as Head of Communications and was quickly promoted to Director of Communications and Social Media.
Smith’s role was no less vital, especially during periods when the team faced intense media scrutiny. He was often seen at Horner’s side during Grand Prix weekends, orchestrating the team’s messaging and ensuring that Red Bull’s narrative remained coherent and compelling in the face of both sporting and non-sporting challenges.
Smith’s expertise was particularly evident during the recent controversies that engulfed the team, including allegations against Horner and internal conflicts that threatened to destabilize the organization. His ability to manage crises and protect the team’s reputation was widely acknowledged within the sport.
The simultaneous departure of these two senior Red Bull F1 figures alongside Christian Horner exit is widely interpreted as a deliberate move by the team’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH, to reassert control over the team’s operations.
Since the death of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz there has been a discernible shift in the balance of power, with the Austrian parent company seeking to dismantle the centralized structure that Horner had built at Milton Keynes.
By removing key personnel who were closely aligned with Horner, Red Bull GmbH appears intent on installing its own leadership and ensuring that the team’s management reflects its broader corporate priorities.
The exits of Hughes and Smith were reportedly handled with similar solemnity, with both men placed on “gardening leave”—a common practice in Formula 1 that allows employees to step away from their duties while remaining on full pay, thereby protecting sensitive information during periods of transition.
READ MORE: New Red Bull team principal confirmed following Christian Horner’s exit
