Red Bull Racing has dismissed Christian Horner as team principal and CEO, ending his 20-year tenure with immediate effect, the Formula 1 team announced on Wednesday. Laurent Mekies, previously head of sister team Racing Bulls, will take over as CEO, while Alan Permane steps up as Racing Bulls’ team principal.
Horner, who led Red Bull since its F1 debut in 2005, oversaw six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ titles, with Sebastian Vettel dominating from 2010-2013 and Max Verstappen from 2021-2024. The team secured 124 race wins and 287 podiums under his leadership. Despite this success, Red Bull’s parent company, led by CEO of Corporate Projects Oliver Mintzlaff, decided to part ways following a turbulent period.
The move follows 18 months of challenges, including allegations of inappropriate behaviour by a female employee in February 2024, which Horner denied and was cleared of after an internal investigation. The controversy, coupled with strained relations with Verstappen’s father, Jos, and the departure of key figures like designer Adrian Newey, sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, and aerodynamics chief Rob Marshall, added pressure.
Red Bull’s 2025 season has been underwhelming, with the team fourth in the Constructors’ Championship with 172 points, trailing McLaren by 288. Verstappen, third in the Drivers’ standings with 165 points, has been the team’s main contributor, while replacements for Sergio Pérez—Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda—have struggled.
The decision may be aimed at retaining Verstappen, who has performance-based exit clauses in his contract through 2028, with Mercedes eyeing him for 2026. However, no official reason for Horner’s exit was provided.
Mintzlaff said: “Christian’s commitment and vision made Red Bull one of F1’s most successful teams. He remains a vital part of our history.” Mekies, a French engineer with over 20 years of F1 experience, including roles at Ferrari and the FIA, expressed enthusiasm for his new role, citing his successful stint at Racing Bulls.
Horner’s future is uncertain, though his reputation as a respected F1 figure persists. The shake-up raises questions about Red Bull’s stability and Verstappen’s long-term commitment as the team prepares for major F1 rule changes in 2026.