Secrets of Success: Christian Horner

Welcome to a bonus episode on the Sky Sports F1 Podcast feed. This is the fifth episode of Secrets of Success - a series in which former England cricket captain, Nasser Hussain speaks to some of the most successful people in sport about how they manage, motivate and inspire their teams to perform at the highest level.

Today, Nasser is joined by Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner.

Horner tells us about how he was able to persuade his team members to believe they could challenge and compete with the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari, discusses what he expects from his drivers and describes his relationship with his rival, Toto Wolff.

Secrets of Success is released every Wednesday, so if you enjoy this episode, search for Secrets of Success, then follow or subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

## Introduction

- Christian Horner, Red Bull's Team Principal, joins Nasser Hussain, former England cricket captain, on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Secrets of Success.

- Horner discusses his journey from a young lad fascinated with speed to a highly successful Formula One team principal.

## Passion and Work Ethic

- Horner attributes his success to his passion for speed and a strong work ethic instilled by his family.

- He talks about creating his own team to further his racing career when he realized he lacked the talent to be a Formula One driver.

## Key Moments

- Horner recalls a specific moment when Juan Pablo Montoya passed him as he came out of the pit lane in Portugal, prompting him to recognize his limitations and pursue a managerial role.

- He emphasizes the importance of being honest with oneself and making the tough decision to change paths when necessary.

## Building a Team

- Horner stresses the significance of understanding different perspectives and having a relatable aspect to the emotions drivers experience.

- He discusses the challenges of managing a team, including the need to clean trucks, pay the bank, and negotiate overdrafts during his early days at Arden.

- He highlights the importance of walking a mile in other people's shoes and gaining experience in various roles within the team.

## Joining Red Bull

- Horner explains how he became the youngest Formula One team principal at age 31 when he joined Red Bull in 2005.

- He talks about the opportunity to work with Dietrich Mateschitz and the commitment Red Bull made to the sport.

## Changing the Culture

- Horner emphasizes the need to change the culture at Red Bull when he arrived, focusing on clear technical direction and empowering people.

- He highlights the importance of employing specialists in their respective fields and giving them accountability and responsibility.

- He stresses the significance of creating a culture where individuals are motivated to perform at their best and avoid being the weak link.

## Identifying Talent

- Horner discusses the criteria he looks for when selecting individuals to join the Red Bull team, including skill set, character, personality, and teamwork.

- He emphasizes the importance of identifying and developing internal talent, as well as attracting top talent from outside the organization.

## Mavericks and Blame Culture

- Horner acknowledges the value of mavericks who push boundaries and bring creativity to the team.

- However, he emphasizes that personal interest should never override the team's interest and that individuals who work against the team have no place in the organization.

- He discusses the importance of eliminating blame culture and fostering a supportive environment where individuals help each other rather than pointing fingers.

## Mental Health and Work-Life Balance

- Horner recognizes the significance of mental health and the need to support employees facing challenges in their personal lives.

- He emphasizes the importance of providing a positive work environment, including summer and Christmas parties, to show appreciation for employees and their families.

- He stresses the importance of open communication and creating an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their personal struggles.

## Risk-Taking and Big Decisions

- Horner highlights the importance of being brutally honest with oneself and taking calculated risks when necessary.

- He discusses the decision to switch engine suppliers from Renault to Honda as an example of a big decision that required careful consideration.

- He emphasizes the significance of having the right culture, quality of people, and work ethic to overcome challenges and achieve success.

## Managing Drivers

- Horner explains the unique challenges of managing two drivers competing against each other for the championship.

- He emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations for the drivers and ensuring that they understand their roles and responsibilities within the team.

- He highlights the need for professionalism and discipline among the drivers, even if they do not like each other personally.

## Great Ormond Street Hospital Visit

- Horner recalls taking Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel to Great Ormond Street Hospital to show them the challenges faced by young children and their families.

- He explains that the visit was intended to provide perspective and remind the drivers of their privileged positions.



1. **Introduction:**
* Nasser Hussain engages in a conversation with Christian Horner, Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, to discuss leadership, motivation, and team inspiration in Formula One racing.
* Horner shares insights into his strategies for motivating his team members and fostering a winning culture within Red Bull Racing.

2. **Max Verstappen's Driving Style and Mindset:**
* Horner describes Max Verstappen as a ruthless and driven driver who expects 110% from himself and his team.
* Verstappen's exceptional mental strength and resilience under pressure are highlighted as key factors in his success.
* Horner emphasizes the importance of Verstappen's ability to deliver outstanding performances in high-stakes moments.

3. **Handling Team Controversies:**
* The incident involving Verstappen refusing to give up his position to Sergio Perez in the Brazilian Grand Prix is discussed.
* Horner explains that such issues are addressed privately, focusing on understanding perspectives and maintaining team unity.
* He stresses the significance of open communication and honesty in resolving controversies within the team.

4. **Balancing Star Drivers and Team Dynamics:**
* Horner acknowledges the challenges of managing star drivers while maintaining a cohesive team environment.
* He believes in allowing star drivers certain privileges while ensuring they recognize their role as part of a larger team.
* Horner emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture where individual success is intertwined with team success.

5. **Team Criticism and Pressure Management:**
* Horner addresses the issue of team members publicly criticizing team orders and decisions during races.
* He explains that rinsing or criticizing a team or team member can be counterproductive and may lead to more errors.
* Horner emphasizes the value of protecting the team, particularly during difficult moments, to alleviate pressure and maintain focus.

6. **Relationship with Toto Wolff:**
* Horner discusses his relationship with Toto Wolff, Team Principal of Mercedes, his main rival in Formula One.
* He acknowledges Wolff's achievements but maintains a competitive stance, viewing him as a competitor rather than a close friend.
* Horner believes that showing weakness or camaraderie with a competitor can undermine his team's motivation and focus.

7. **Abu Dhabi Season Finale and Team Motivation:**
* Horner expresses pride in his team's performance during the 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi, where Max Verstappen clinched the World Championship.
* He recalls motivating the team before the race, emphasizing the significance of giving their best and enjoying the experience.
* Horner highlights the team's willingness to take risks and adopt an aggressive strategy, which ultimately led to Verstappen's victory.

8. **Mercedes' Reaction to the Abu Dhabi Race:**
* Horner analyzes Mercedes' approach to the Abu Dhabi race, suggesting that their defensive strategy exposed them to the unexpected turn of events.
* He commends Lewis Hamilton's dignified response to the disappointment, acknowledging his sportsmanship and grace under pressure.

9. **Staying Ahead of the Curve:**
* Horner emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and staying ahead of the competition in Formula One.
* He believes in looking beyond the current season and focusing on long-term success and dominance.
* Horner stresses the need to avoid complacency and maintain a forward-looking mindset.

10. **Managing Personal Well-being and Pressure:**
* Horner acknowledges the immense pressure associated with leadership in Formula One and the potential impact on mental health.
* He highlights the importance of self-awareness and recognizing when to take a step back.
* Horner finds solace in spending time with his family and engaging in activities outside of Formula One to maintain a healthy balance.

11. **Alignment with Red Bull Brand:**
* Horner discusses the synergy between Red Bull's edgy and risk-taking brand image and the personalities of Max Verstappen and himself.
* He believes that this alignment contributes to a cohesive and dynamic team culture that reflects the Red Bull brand.

12. **Gratitude and Team Appreciation:**
* Horner expresses his gratitude for working with exceptional individuals at Red Bull Racing.
* He acknowledges that his achievements would not be possible without the dedication and talent of his team members.

13. **Horner's Leadership Style:**
* Nasser Hussain commends Horner's leadership style, highlighting his ability to connect with team members at all levels.
* Horner's experience in various roles within the team is seen as a key factor in his understanding of their perspectives and challenges.

14. **Upcoming Episode:**
* Hussain announces an upcoming episode featuring an interview with Toto Wolff, Team Principal of Mercedes.