In a shocking development, Red Bull Racing CEO and Team Principal Christian Horner was sacked from his role with immediate effect on Wednesday, with Racing Bulls team boss Laurent Mekies set to take over.
Horner has been in charge of Red Bull since 2005 and has held the same role for 20 years, leading them to six Constructors and eight Drivers’ Championships.
“Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO (chief executive) of Red Bull Racing,” read the statement released by Red Bull confirming his exit.
Horner’s exit comes at Red Bull’s lowest competitive point in years, with the team currently sitting in fourth place in the constructors’ championship, a staggering 288 points behind leaders McLaren, while star driver Max Verstappen sits 69 points adrift of Oscar Piastri in the drivers’ standings following another disappointing weekend at Silverstone where the Dutchman could only manage fifth after starting from pole position – a far cry from the team’s dominant 2022-23 form that saw them win 21 of 22 races in one record-breaking season.
The Briton’s departure from Red Bull follows a period of turmoil that saw the once-dominant team engulfed in controversy both on and off track. It began with allegations against Horner of inappropriate behaviour in February 2024, the claims he consistently denied and which were eventually dismissed after an internal investigation. Red Bull also saw a mass exodus of key technical personnel, including legendary designer Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley.
“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” said Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff.
20 years, 14 titles 🏆
An incredibly successful partnership comes to an end#F1 @redbullracing pic.twitter.com/av6BkXMjRQ
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 9, 2025
“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,” he added.
The current Racing Bulls Racing Director, Alan Permane, will be promoted to Team Principal at the sister outfit.
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“The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter [Bayer, Racing Bulls CEO],” said Mekies.“It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people. The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning.
“Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path. He knows the team inside out and has always been an important pillar of our early successes.”
Horner has been part of Red Bull’s dominance in F1, with Sebastian Vettel and the team winning four consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ championships from 2010-2013 and Max Verstappen winning the last four drivers’ championships from 2021-2024.
