Christian Horner Sacked by Red Bull Racing After 20 Years at the Helm
Christian Horner, the long-time Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, has been dismissed after a notable 20-year tenure. This significant change follows challenges in the 2025 season, including a drop to fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship and the departure of key personnel. Laurent Mekies, formerly of Racing Bulls, steps in as the new CEO and Team Principal. Horner's exit, amid internal tensions and past controversies, prompts discussions on the future stability of the team and Max Verstappen's role, given the performance clause in his contract.
- Christian Horner dismissed as Red Bull Racing's Team Principal after 20 years
- Laurent Mekies takes over as CEO and Team Principal
- Speculations rise about Max Verstappen's future amidst team changes
Red Bull Racing has parted ways with long-time Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner, ending a 20-year tenure that saw the team rise from newcomers to one of Formula 1's most dominant forces.
The announcement came following a high-level meeting involving Red Bull’s senior management and stakeholders on Wednesday.
While no formal reason for Horner’s dismissal was given, the decision is understood to stem from a combination of on-track struggles and ongoing internal tensions that have been simmering for over a year.
Horner, 51, took charge of Red Bull Racing in 2005 at the age of 31 and oversaw its transformation into an F1 powerhouse.
Under his leadership, the team claimed six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ titles, including a dominant stretch in the early 2010s and a resurgence led by Max Verstappen in the 2020s.
However, the 2025 season has brought challenges.
Red Bull has slipped to fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship, amid high-profile exits of key personnel, including legendary designer Adrian Newey and Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley.
Sources close to the team cite a growing disconnect between Horner and both technical leadership and senior drivers, including Verstappen himself.
Horner’s position had already been under scrutiny following a high-profile investigation in early 2024 over alleged inappropriate behaviour.
Though he was cleared after an independent inquiry and a subsequent appeal was dismissed, the controversy left a lasting impact on Red Bull’s internal dynamics and public image.
Taking over immediately is Laurent Mekies, formerly Team Principal of Red Bull’s sister outfit, Racing Bulls.
Mekies will serve as both CEO and Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, and is expected to lead the team into the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps later this month.
Meanwhile, Alan Permane will assume Mekies’ former role at Racing Bulls.
The leadership shake-up has reignited speculation about Max Verstappen’s future with the team.
The reigning world champion has a performance clause in his contract, and rumours linking him to a potential move to Mercedes have intensified in recent weeks.
Horner's departure marks a dramatic shift for Red Bull Racing, and the coming races may reveal whether the team can stabilize under new leadership—or if a deeper restructuring lies ahead.
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