Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has been sacked by the company, AFP news agency confirmed on Wednesday. While the exact reason for his departure has not been officially confirmed by the team, the move comes more than a year after a Red Bull employee filed a misconduct complaint against him. Racing Bulls boss Laurent Mekies has been promoted to Red Bull team principal as his replacement.
Red Bull on Christian Horner’s removalThe news of Christian Horner’s removal comes two months after rumors of his exit surfaced around the time of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in May. As Laurent Mekies takes over at Red Bull, Alan Permane has been appointed as the new team principal of Racing Bulls.
Confirming the news, Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff said in a statement: "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. You will forever remain an important part of our team’s history."
Earlier, a Daily Mail report claimed that Red Bull owner Mark Mateschitz, the son of late co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz, was considering Horner’s removal, as the latter had amassed significant influence within the company following Mateschitz’s death in 2022. The report also stated that Horner had retained his role thanks to the support of Red Bull's Thai co-owner Chalerm Yoovidhya, the co-founder and 51% owner of Red Bull’s parent company.
Christian Horner’s achievementsChristian Horner is widely regarded as one of the most successful team principals in Formula 1 history, having led Red Bull to 14 championship titles over two decades. He oversaw the rise of both Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen as F1 World Champions. Under his leadership, the team won six Constructors' Championships and eight Drivers' Championships since he joined in 2005.
Also Read: Max Verstappen could soon be free to leave Red Bull if this happens – but there’s a catch
What’s going on at Red Bull?Interestingly, the news of Horner’s dismissal comes amid ongoing rumors about Max Verstappen’s possible departure from Red Bull. The reigning world champion has struggled to maintain a lead in the current F1 Championship and has voiced frustration over the car's limitations — fueling speculation that he may be in talks with Mercedes for a potential move.
Red Bull on Christian Horner’s removalThe news of Christian Horner’s removal comes two months after rumors of his exit surfaced around the time of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in May. As Laurent Mekies takes over at Red Bull, Alan Permane has been appointed as the new team principal of Racing Bulls.
Confirming the news, Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff said in a statement: "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. You will forever remain an important part of our team’s history."
20 years, 14 titles 🏆
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 9, 2025
An incredibly successful partnership comes to an end#F1 @redbullracing pic.twitter.com/av6BkXMjRQ
Earlier, a Daily Mail report claimed that Red Bull owner Mark Mateschitz, the son of late co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz, was considering Horner’s removal, as the latter had amassed significant influence within the company following Mateschitz’s death in 2022. The report also stated that Horner had retained his role thanks to the support of Red Bull's Thai co-owner Chalerm Yoovidhya, the co-founder and 51% owner of Red Bull’s parent company.
Christian Horner’s achievementsChristian Horner is widely regarded as one of the most successful team principals in Formula 1 history, having led Red Bull to 14 championship titles over two decades. He oversaw the rise of both Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen as F1 World Champions. Under his leadership, the team won six Constructors' Championships and eight Drivers' Championships since he joined in 2005.
Also Read: Max Verstappen could soon be free to leave Red Bull if this happens – but there’s a catch
What’s going on at Red Bull?Interestingly, the news of Horner’s dismissal comes amid ongoing rumors about Max Verstappen’s possible departure from Red Bull. The reigning world champion has struggled to maintain a lead in the current F1 Championship and has voiced frustration over the car's limitations — fueling speculation that he may be in talks with Mercedes for a potential move.
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