Christian Horner successor makes feelings about axed Red Bull F1 boss very clear

Laurent Mekies has issued his first statement as Red Bull Racing chief following his promotion to the top spot, taking over from Christian Horner. The Frenchman ascends from his previous position at Racing Bulls to fill the roles of team principal and CEO with immediate effect.

Horner spent 20 years in charge of the team, winning 14 titles including eight drivers' crowns and six constructors' championships. But his empire crumbled on Wednesday when it was confirmed that he had been placed on gardening leave, with 48-year-old Mekies his successor.

In a statement released to confirm the shakeup, the Frenchman expressed: "Over the last year and a half it has been an absolute privilege to lead Visa Cash App Racing Bulls and I would like to thank all of our talented people both in Faenza and Milton Keynes.

Looking to the future, I am excited to be taking on the role of CEO and team principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, one of the most successful and dynamic teams in the sport. It's an honour to be part of this group of brilliant people that embody the Red Bull spirit."

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And he ended with a kind note towards Horner, who was a key figure in the decision to hire Mekies from Ferrari as Racing Bulls team principal when he was put in charge of the second team's rebuild. He added: "Together we will achieve great results, building on the incredible legacy left by Christian Horner during his two decades in charge."

Oliver Mintzlaff, chief executive of corporate projects and investments at Red Bull – the company's head of sports who was effectively Horner's boss in Austria – also acknowledged the long-serving 51-year-old's contribution in his own statement about the change of leadership.

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He said: "We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. 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."

Mekies has a mammoth task ahead to reverse Red Bull's fortunes after a dismal start to the 2025 season, with McLaren currently leading both the drivers and constructors' championships.

Max Verstappen is third in the standings, trailing leader Oscar Piastri by 69 points and his McLaren teammate Lando Norris by 61. Norris was the victor at the British Grand Prix last time around, with the two team-mates at the top poised to duel for the championship with four-time title-winner Verstappen watching on jealously from behind.

In the constructors' standings, Red Bull have a mountain to climb. They're currently fourth, a whopping 288 points behind McLaren and also lagging behind Ferrari and Mercedes. Mekies will make his Red Bull Racing debut trackside at the Belgian Grand Prix on July 27.