- Christian Horner has been sacked by Red Bull with immediate effect after 20 years as Team Principal of the Formula 1 team.
- Horner joined the outfit in 2005 and remained in charge until his dismissal on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
- Now 51, Horner spent two decades leading the team, during which he helped secure six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ titles.
Red Bull Racing has terminated the contract of its long-serving Team Principal Christian Horner after two decades of leadership.
This decision follows a disappointing first half of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Horner, who has been at the helm since joining the team in 2005, played a pivotal role in securing six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ Championships.
The 51-year-old’s departure follows months of dwindling results, internal strife among senior leadership, and lingering controversy from 17 months prior, when he faced allegations of sexual harassment and coercive behavior by a female employee.
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Leaked messages purportedly sennt by Horner further fueled scrutiny. However, an internal investigation ultimately exonerated him.
Laurent Mekies takes over as Red Bull CEO
In an official statement, Red Bull announced; “Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday 9 July 2025) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing. Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO Corporate Projects and Investments thanked Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.”
The Englishman will be succeeded by Laurent Mekies as team principal and chief executive officer of Red Bull Racing.
Mekies was previously in charge of the secondary outfit, Racing Bulls. Alan Permane has now been promoted to team principal of Racing Bulls, having served as racing director.
Under Horner’s leadership, Red Bull enjoyed two eras of supremacy in Formula 1.
The first came under Sebastian Vettel, with the team securing four consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ titles between 2010 and 2013.
The second saw Max Verstappen dominate the sport, capturing four straight Drivers’ Championships from 2021 to 2024.
Red Bull also claimed the Constructors’ Championship in 2022 and 2023.
“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” added Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s chief executive 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.”
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Horner’s final race in command was Sunday’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where Verstappen claimed pole but slipped to fifth after a wet-weather spin.
At the season’s midpoint, Verstappen trails championship leader Oscar Piastri by 69 points.
Red Bull currently sit fourth in the Constructors’ standings, 288 points adrift of McLaren, with Ferrari and Mercedes also ahead.