Replacing Vettel at Goodwood, Horner 'blown away' by modern Formula 1

Christian Horner had the opportunity to drive the world champion Red Bull RB8 in 2012. The British manager, who had not driven a single-seater since the 1990s, was struck by the efficiency of his car.

The youngest among us may never have seen Christian Horner drive a car. Moreover, some probably do not know that before being the emblematic Team Principal of Red Bull since 2005, he was first and foremost a racing driver, having played two seasons in Formula 3000 at the end of the 1990s. The Briton was able to experience the joys of driving again this weekend, during the Goodwood festival, in England.

" It was fun ! This is my first time driving a Red Bull and certainly my first time with a manual clutch and two pedals.", he declared after getting behind the wheel of the world champion RB8 in 2012. On the occasion of his twenty years in Formula 1, Red Bull celebrates its anniversary in style with the presence of numerous single-seater world champions and some historic drivers from the Austrian team. Quadruple world champion with the Milton Keynes based team, Sebastian Vettel was logically invited to the festivities, but the German had to decline, leaving the place available for Christian Horner.

Horner, a first in an F1 since 1993

“Sebastian Vettel was going to drive one of the cars here, but he's on holiday with his family and couldn't come to Goodwood, so the guys suggested I drive it, explained the British leader. I haven't driven a single-seater since 1998 and a Formula 1 car since 1993 (Christian Horner had carried out a test with Lotus at the time, Editor's note.). So I thought there was an opportunity to drive a car with a hand clutch and a left foot brake pedal. It was a great honor and a great privilege to drive one of these extraordinary cars, a car that won the championship. »

“It's mind-blowing how fast these cars are and how much influence aerodynamics have, confided Christian Horner after his visit, impressed by the efficiency of the RB8. What struck me the most was that when I started, it was as if someone had dropped an anchor. It's like hard braking in a road car. And then when you brake, you have trouble keeping your chin off your chest. I loved it so much that I missed the pit lane and managed to do an extra lap! »

Red Bull's chief executive will have the opportunity to drive again this weekend at Goodwood: Christian Horner is set to take the wheel of the 7 RB2011, also world champion with Sebastian Vettel.

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