As far as bizarre internet theories go, this might be one of the best, as F1 fans are claiming that a Lewis Hamilton 'curse' may have caused Christian Horner's sacking.
Horner, who served as the team principle and CEO of Red Bull Racing since 2005, was sacked on Wednesday, one year on from a sex texts scandal.
A statement from Red Bull GmbH said: "Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (9 July) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing.”
Red Bull Group CEO Oliver Mintzlaff added: “We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.
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“With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula One. Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”
Horner, who is married to the former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, was accused of inappropriate and coercive behaviour towards a female employee early last year, but always denied the allegations.
Despite the controversies surrounding his sacking, keen-eyed F1 fans have made a surprising connection between his departure and a shirtless photo of Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton.
Dubbed the 'Thirst Trap Curse', fans first started noticing the unusual pattern with which Daniel Ricciardo, Nicholas Latifi and Mick Schumacher all lost their seats during the 2023 season, each of them shortly after a cheeky gym selfie from the British driver.
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His gym selfies are so powerful in fact, that they seemingly led to the retirement of F1 legend Sebastian Vettel and after another shirtless pic was uploaded to Instagram in May, many fans speculated who would be next, with many joking that Ferrari staff could go after Hamilton's difficult start to life with the oldest F1 team.
However, it seems as if Horner is the one to have fallen victim to the curse, with users on X identifying the strange connection once again, which is perhaps the F1 version of the Aaron Ramsey curse. If you know, you know.
Max Verstappen has already spoken out following Horner's sacking, while the man himself also released a statement after leaving the energy drink company with over 20 years of service under his belt.
He wrote: "After an incredible journey of twenty years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the Team I have absolutely loved.
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"Every one of you, the amazing people at the factory, have been the heart and soul of everything that we have achieved.
"Win and lose, every step of the way, we have stood by each other as one and I will never forget that. It’s been a privilege being part of and leading this epic Team and I am so proud of our collective accomplishments and you all.
"Thanks to the amazing partners and fans who enabled us to go racing.
"Your support has helped grow the team from its humble beginnings to an F1 powerhouse that laid claim to 6 Constructors Championships and 8 Drivers Championships.
"Equally, thank you to our rivals, with whom there would be no racing at all."
Topics: Lewis Hamilton
James Moorhouse