Christian Horner has been sacked as Red Bull Racing’s team principal after two decades at the helm, ending a tenure that delivered six constructors’ titles and eight drivers’ championships for the Formula 1 outfit.
No official reason was given for Horner’s dismissal. The 50-year-old told Sky Sports’ Martin Brundle that he had not been provided an explanation, while Red Bull’s brief statement confined itself to thanking Horner for his “exceptional work” and “innovative thinking” in transforming the team into one of F1’s dominant forces.
Laurent Mekies, who had been working at the Racing Bulls junior outfit, has been appointed CEO of Red Bull Racing. Alan Permane takes charge at Racing Bulls in Mekies’ place.
Horner’s reign spanned two Red Bull golden eras: Sebastian Vettel’s four consecutive constructors and drivers’ championships from 2010-2013, and Max Verstappen’s run of four titles from 2021-2024. But the past 18 months have been rocky both on and off track.
Earlier this year, Horner faced allegations of inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague, a claim he consistently denied and which was dismissed after an appeal last summer.
Meanwhile, Red Bull’s competitive edge has faded, with McLaren overtaking them as F1’s front-running team.
The squad has also endured an exodus of key figures including star designer Adrian Newey, who has joined Aston Martin, and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, now with Sauber.
Horner’s final race in charge was last weekend’s British Grand Prix, where Verstappen started on pole but finished only fifth after a spin in wet conditions.
At the halfway point of the season, Red Bull sit fourth in the constructors’ standings, 288 points behind leaders McLaren.
Verstappen trails championship leader Oscar Piastri by 69 points and has scored 165 of Red Bull’s 172 points.
The team’s second seat has been a revolving door, with rookie Liam Lawson dropped after two races and Yuki Tsunoda struggling badly, finishing last in the previous two grands prix.
Red Bull now face the task of steadying the ship amid fierce competition and significant internal change.
