KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Razlan Razali can relate to what former Red Bull Racing F1 team principal Christian Horner is going through, following the latter’s sudden dismissal last month.
The former RNF Racing MotoGP Team boss said he did not expect to see Horner, considering his contribution to the team over the year, dismissed in such a manner.
Horner was relieved of his duties on July 9 though Red Bull did not publicly state a reason for his dismissal.
The 51-year-old had been accused of coercive and controlling behaviour by a female employee last year though was twice cleared following internal investigations.
“That is the brutal ruthlessness of Formula One,” said Razlan when met yesterday (Aug 5).
“Although the team (Red Bull) is not performing, I did not expect him to go like that as he has done a lot for Red Bull.
“So to be removed like that, there must be something more to it.
“It is a shock for Formula One and I can, more or less, feel what he is feeling. I can understand what he is going through, it is not easy.”
Razlan had experienced similar circumstances at the tail end of the 2023 season when he was removed from his position as RNF team principal – a team he owned 40 per cent of at the time – after their relationship with partners CryptoDATA turned sour.
The former Sepang International Circuit chief executive officer said he does not have plans to return to motorsports anytime soon.
“No plans to go back so far. At the moment there is nothing that interests me, especially in MotoGP,” said Razlan.
“But I still like to follow the sport and still keep in touch with Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna Sports CEO) and Massimo Rivola (Aprilia Racing CEO).”
Razlan was met at the launch of Anytime Fitness’ 80th club in Malaysia, which was held in Cyberjaya yesterday.
Anytime Fitness also announced a strategic partnership with the Youth and Sports Ministry which will see them supporting national wellness campaigns and community-based initiatives.
Anytime Fitness is also sponsoring memberships for 20 national athletes, which includes upcoming motorcycle racers Hakim Danish Ramli and Qabil Irfan Azlan.
Razlan, who is also an Anytime Fitness franchisee, said the sponsorship will give the athletes access to 80 Anytime Fitness gyms in Malaysia and thousands around the world.
“Some of these national athletes may not have easy access to such facilities as they may live far away so this Anytime Fitness membership can help them complement the training they are already doing,” said Razlan.
“They can also access Anytime Fitness’ gyms when they are training or competing abroad because there are thousands around the world.
“I have been involved in motorsports talent development for a long time, it has been my passion. Now that I am in the fitness industry, it is about changing people’s lives through fitness.”
Youth and Sports Deputy Minister Adam Adli officiated the sponsorship presentation in Cyberjaya.
The other 18 recipients will be selected by the National Sports Council.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
