Long-serving Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner sacked with immediate effect after two decades at the helm of one of Formula 1’s most successful teams.
This decision marks the end of an era for Red Bull, a team that Horner led from its debut in 2005 through an extraordinary period of dominance, securing six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ Championships under his stewardship.
The announcement came on July 9, 2025, signaling a significant shake-up within the Milton Keynes outfit and the broader F1 paddock.
Christian Horner’s tenure at Red Bull was marked by remarkable achievements transforming the team from a mid-field contender into a powerhouse that challenged and often outperformed the established giants of the sport.
His leadership saw the rise of multiple world champions including Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, who became legends under his guidance.
“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” said Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments.
“With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.
“Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”
However, the last 18 months of Horner’s reign were turbulent, both on and off the track. The team struggled with performance issues notably with the RB21 car which even Verstappen found difficult to drive competitively, leading to a dip in race wins and championship prospects.
Off the track, Horner faced serious challenges that cast a shadow over his leadership. In early 2024, the 51-year old was accused of inappropriate and controlling behavior by a female Red Bull employee.
Although an internal investigation cleared him of wrongdoing, the controversy persisted as sexually suggestive messages allegedly exchanged between Horner and the accuser leaked to senior F1 figures, reigniting public scrutiny.
The accuser was suspended with full pay and later filed an appeal against the investigation’s findings, which was ultimately dismissed in August 2024.
Despite the clearance, the scandal strained relationships within the team and the wider Formula 1 community with figures such as Max Verstappen’s father Jos Verstappen publicly expressing concerns about the impact on team unity.
The combination of these off-track controversies and the on-track performance decline are believed to have eventually gotten Christian Horner sacked.
Red Bull’s Austrian leadership, particularly the faction led by Mark Mateschitz, son of the late co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz, reportedly pushed for Horner’s removal amid fears that ongoing instability could jeopardize the team’s future success.
Although Horner had backing from Red Bull’s Thai ownership led by Chalerm Yoovidhya the majority owner of the parent company, the pressure mounted as rivals like McLaren and Mercedes closed the competitive gap.
Laurent Mekies, who previously led the sister team Racing Bulls, has been appointed as the new Red Bull Racing team principal and CEO.
Mekies’ promotion is seen as a strategic move to stabilize the team and inject fresh leadership as Red Bull aims to regain its competitive edge. The Frenchman brings extensive experience within the Red Bull ecosystem and is expected to focus on both technical development and restoring harmony within the team environment.
The timing of Horner’s departure is notable, coming just after the British Grand Prix and amid a season where Red Bull’s dominance has been seriously challenged.
The team’s star driver Max Verstappen has managed only one Grand Prix win so far in 2025, and has openly discussed his frustrations with the car’s performance.
Speculation about Verstappen’s future with Red Bull has intensified, with rumors linking him to potential moves to rival team Mercedes.
Horner had previously defended the team’s capabilities and Verstappen’s commitment, emphasizing the strength in depth within Red Bull despite the current setbacks.
Horner’s exit also follows a period of significant personnel changes within Red Bull, including the departures of key figures such as legendary designer Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley.
These changes, coupled with Horner’s removal, signal a major restructuring phase for the team as it seeks to adapt to evolving technical regulations and increased competition from teams like McLaren and Mercedes.
