MotoJaya

Razlan Razali: I Feel Christian Horner's Pain, 'Tak Senang,' Says Ex-RNF Boss

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Razlan Razali, former boss of the RNF Racing MotoGP team, says he understands what Christian Horner, the ex-Red Bull Racing F1 team principal, is going through after his recent dismissal. Razlan knows firsthand how tough it can be.

According to Razlan, he didn't expect Horner, a key figure in Red Bull's success, to be let go so suddenly. Horner was dismissed on July 9, but the reason wasn't made public. Before his dismissal, Horner faced allegations of controlling behaviour, which he denied, and internal investigations cleared him.

"That is the brutal ruthlessness of Formula One," Razlan said.

He added, "Even though the team (Red Bull) isn't performing at its peak, I didn't think he'd be removed like that. He's done so much for Red Bull. There must be more to the story. It's shocking for Formula One, and I can relate to what he's feeling. It's not easy."

Been There, Done That: Razlan's Own Experience

Razlan himself faced a similar situation when he was ousted as RNF team principal in 2023 after a fallout with partners CryptoDATA. He owned 40% of the team at the time.

No Plans to Return to Motorsports (For Now)

The former Sepang International Circuit CEO said he isn't planning a return to motorsports anytime soon. "No plans to go back so far. Nothing interests me at the moment, especially in MotoGP," Razlan admitted.

"But I still enjoy following the sport and keeping in touch with Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna Sports CEO) and Massimo Rivola (Aprilia Racing CEO)."

Supporting Local Athletes

Razlan was speaking at the launch of Anytime Fitness's 80th club in Malaysia, in Cyberjaya. Anytime Fitness is partnering with the Youth and Sports Ministry to support wellness campaigns and community initiatives. The gym is also sponsoring memberships for 20 national athletes, including young motorcycle racers Hakim Danish Ramli and Qabil Irfan Azlan.

As an Anytime Fitness franchisee, Razlan stated the sponsorship gives athletes access to gyms across Malaysia and worldwide.

"Some athletes may not have easy access to these facilities, so this membership can help complement their training," he said. "They can also use Anytime Fitness gyms when training or competing abroad."

Razlan added, "I've been involved in motorsports talent development for a long time. Now that I'm in fitness, it's about changing lives through fitness."

Youth and Sports Deputy Minister Adam Adli officiated the sponsorship presentation. The other 18 athletes will be chosen by the National Sports Council.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd