Christian Horner, 50, has been synonymous with Red Bull since its entry into Formula 1 as a full constructor in 2005. Under his stewardship, the team clinched eight drivers’ championships, four apiece through Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, along with six constructors’ crowns
Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen (L) talks to Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner (Pic: AFP)
In a stunning shake-up, Red Bull Racing has parted ways with long-serving team principal Christian Horner, abruptly ending his two-decade tenure that transformed the outfit into a Formula 1 powerhouse.
The decision, announced Wednesday, offered no official explanation. In a brief statement, Red Bull thanked Horner for his immense contributions, noting he would 'forever remain an important part of our team history'. Laurent Mekies, currently heading the sister outfit Racing Bulls, will step in as chief executive of Red Bull Racing.
Horner, 50, has been synonymous with Red Bull since its entry into Formula 1 as a full constructor in 2005. Under his stewardship, the team clinched eight drivers’ championships, four apiece through Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, along with six constructors’ crowns.
Despite overseeing normal operations through last weekend’s British Grand Prix, Horner found himself fielding pointed questions about Verstappen’s long-term future. The Dutch champion has declined to commit beyond 2025, sparking speculation, with McLaren chief Zak Brown warning it would be a “disaster” for Red Bull should Verstappen bolt.
This season, Red Bull’s fortunes have waned. McLaren has surged to the front while Verstappen sits third in the standings and the team languishes in fourth. Driver instability has also plagued the outfit, with Sergio Perez dropped at the close of last season, followed by a short-lived stint for Liam Lawson, and now Yuki Tsunoda failing to register a point in five outings.
Horner’s exit continues a wave of high-profile departures since the death of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022. Legendary designer Adrian Newey has moved to Aston Martin, while sporting director Jonathan Wheatley is bound for Sauber, soon to become Audi’s works team.
The timing of Horner’s dismissal is particularly striking as Red Bull gears up for sweeping regulation changes slated for next season.
Meanwhile, lingering shadows from past controversies remain. Over a year ago, Horner faced allegations of misconduct towards a team employee. An internal probe cleared him, as did a subsequent appeal process, allowing him to retain his role throughout the investigation.
Speaking after the announcement, Horner revealed he was given 'no reason' for his dismissal. Veteran Sky Sports analyst Martin Brundle remarked that Horner appeared to have been forced out without clear cause, RN 365 reported.
Red Bull’s Oliver Mintzlaff lauded Horner’s 'tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking', crediting him with shaping Red Bull Racing into 'one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1'.
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