Christian Horner sacked by Red Bull following incredible two-decade tenure

In a stunning move, Red Bull has parted ways with longtime team principal Christian Horner, bringing an end to his 20-year tenure that delivered eight Formula One drivers' championships and helped shape the team's modern legacy.

The announcement came Wednesday, with Red Bull offering no specific reason for Horner's dismissal but expressing gratitude for his contributions, stating he would 'forever remain an important part of our team history'.

Laurent Mekies, previously with Red Bull’s sister outfit Racing Bulls, has been named as Horner’s successor, taking over as team principal and CEO of the Red Bull F1 team amid ongoing internal challenges.


"We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years," Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s chief executive for corporate projects and investments said in a statement.

"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."


Horner had served as Red Bull's team principal since the team entered Formula One as a full constructor in 2005. Throughout his two-decade run, Horner became a prominent figure in the sport—both for his success and his off-track presence.

He led Red Bull to eight drivers’ championships - four with Sebastian Vettel and four with Max Verstappen - as well as six constructors’ titles, cementing the team as an F1 powerhouse.

"From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!" F1 champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull posted on social media.


Despite continuing his duties at last week's British Grand Prix, signs of unrest had mounted. Horner and Verstappen were booed at the season launch in London, and Red Bull’s form has faltered this year. While Verstappen still sits third in the drivers’ standings, Red Bull trails in fourth among constructors, with McLaren emerging as the dominant force in 2025.

Horner's departure comes amid growing uncertainty within Red Bull Racing, particularly surrounding Verstappen’s future. Just last week, Horner was pressed repeatedly about the Dutch star's plans beyond 2025, with Verstappen notably refusing to commit to staying with the team for the 2026 season.


Horner's exit is the latest in a wave of high-profile departures that have reshaped Red Bull’s leadership structure following the 2022 death of co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz. Technical mastermind Adrian Newey left for Aston Martin, while longtime sporting director Jonathan Wheatley joined Sauber, the team soon to become Audi’s official works outfit.

On the driver front, the team dropped Sergio Perez after the 2024 season and briefly experimented with Liam Lawson as Verstappen’s teammate - an experiment that quickly ended. Yuki Tsunoda then stepped into the role, but has failed to deliver results, going five consecutive races without scoring a point.


With leadership upheaval and on-track struggles mounting, Red Bull now faces a critical juncture in its F1 future.