Milton Keynes, UK, July 9, 2025 – Red Bull Racing has sacked Christian Horner as team principal and CEO, ending his 20-year tenure with the Formula 1 team, effective immediately, as announced on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. The decision, reported by BBC Sport and The Athletic, follows a tumultuous period marked by declining team performance and internal controversies. Laurent Mekies, previously team principal at Racing Bulls (VCARB), has been appointed as Red Bull Racing’s new CEO, with Racing Director Alan Permane taking over at the sister team.
Horner’s Legacy at Red Bull
Horner, 51, took the helm in 2005 when Red Bull acquired the struggling Jaguar F1 Team, becoming the youngest team principal in F1 history at age 31. Under his leadership, Red Bull transformed into a powerhouse, securing six Constructors’ Championships (2010–2013, 2022–2023) and eight Drivers’ Championships—four with Sebastian Vettel (2010–2013) and four with Max Verstappen (2021–2024). The team amassed 113 race wins and set records, including the most dominant season in F1 history in 2023, with 21 victories in 22 races. Horner’s strategic hires, notably designer Adrian Newey in 2005, and his oversight of Red Bull Powertrains’ partnership with Ford for 2026, were pivotal to the team’s success. His contributions earned him an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2013 and a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2023.
Reasons for the Sacking
The decision comes amid a challenging 2025 season, with Red Bull slipping to fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, overshadowed by McLaren’s dominance (five wins in six races). Max Verstappen, despite securing his fourth consecutive Drivers’ title, won only twice in the last 14 races, with the RB21 car struggling for pace. Internal tensions also played a role, including high-profile departures like Newey to Aston Martin and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, alongside driver changes—Sergio Perez was dropped, and Liam Lawson lasted just two races before being replaced by Yuki Tsunoda. Reports from Metro.co.uk suggest Red Bull’s owners were divided over Horner’s leadership, with pressure mounting after a disappointing Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, despite a planned upgrade package.
The sacking follows a controversial 2024 season when Horner faced allegations of inappropriate and coercive behavior toward a female colleague. Cleared twice by independent investigations, the saga strained relations with Verstappen’s camp, including his father, Jos Verstappen, who warned of team instability if Horner remained. Leaked text messages, though unverified, further fueled public scrutiny, as captured in Formula 1: Drive to Survive Season 7.
Reactions and Future Outlook
Red Bull GmbH acknowledged Horner’s “exceptional work” in a statement, with Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects, praising his “tireless commitment” and role in making Red Bull “one of the most successful teams in Formula 1.” However, posts on X, including from @fiagirly and @andrewbensonf1, reflect shock among staff and fans, with Milton Keynes personnel informed just before the announcement. @pubity noted the move as a “bombshell,” highlighting the team’s recent struggles.
Laurent Mekies, who joined Red Bull from Ferrari in 2023, steps into the CEO role with experience from leading VCARB. The team faces a critical 2026 season with new regulations and its in-house engine program, Red Bull Ford Powertrains. Speculation about Verstappen’s future, with interest from Mercedes and Aston Martin, adds uncertainty, though he remains under contract until 2028.
Conclusion
Horner’s departure marks the end of an era for Red Bull Racing, which he built from a mid-tier outfit into an F1 dynasty. As Mekies takes over, the team must navigate a competitive landscape and internal restructuring to reclaim its dominance. For further details, visit redbullracing.com or follow updates on BBC Sport and The Athletic.