Horner sacked by Red Bull after 20 years as F1 team principal!

In a jaw-dropping twist that will undoubtedly send shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock, Red Bull Racing abruptly sacked on Wednesday its long-standing team principal and CEO, Christian Horner.

The man who steered Red Bull to glory over its 20-year history is out, and Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies will moving over to Milton Keynes to fill his shoes, effective immediately.

The move is a seismic shake-up to say the least. Horner’s exit comes as Red Bull grapples with a rough patch, slumping to a disappointing fourth place in the 2025 constructors’ championship at the season’s halfway mark.

Despite star driver Max Verstappen’s two race wins this year, the team’s performance has been on a downward spiral since McLaren overtook them in May 2024. The departure of key figures like design legend Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley has only added to the team’s woes.

With rumors swirling about Verstappen’s future – his contract runs until 2028 but includes break clauses that could kick in this month, especially with Mercedes circling – the pressure is on for Red Bull to turn things around.

A statement from Red Bull read: “Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today 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.”

“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.” said Mintzlaff. “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 Steps Up as Red Bull Looks to Reset

Mekies, who took the reins at the Racing Bulls outfit in 2024, now finds himself promoted to one of the most scrutinized positions in motorsport. Reflecting on his time with the sister team, Mekies said:

“The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter. It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people.

"The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning. Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path. He knows the team inside out and has always been an important pillar of our early successes.”

Replacing Mekies at Racing Bulls is the team’s racing director, Alan Permane, who steps in as team principal alongside CEO Peter Bayer. Permane brings decades of paddock experience, and he’s ready for the challenge:

“I feel very honoured to take on the role as team principal and would like to thank Oliver [Mintzlaff] and Helmut [Marko] for the trust they have shown in me.

I am looking forward to working with Peter to continue the good work that both him and Laurent have done in taking this team forward. This is a new challenge for me, but I know that I can count on the support of everyone within them.”

A Powerhouse in Decline

Horner’s exit comes at a time of growing turmoil for Red Bull Racing. While Max Verstappen has managed two wins in the 2025 season so far, the team sits a distant fourth in the constructors’ championship — a dramatic fall from grace for the reigning champions of 2021 through 2023.

The rot began ahead of the 2024 season, when Horner was embroiled in a scandal involving accusations of inappropriate behaviour by an employee, though he was later cleared by an investigation.

Read also:

• Marko adamant: Verstappen won’t leave despite clause rumors

But since then, the Milton Keynes-based squad has seen a steady unraveling, losing key figures such as legendary designer Adrian Newey and long-time sporting director Jonathan Wheatley.

Verstappen’s own future is uncertain, despite being under contract until 2028. Mercedes is reportedly circling, and break clauses in his deal could be triggered by the end of this month.

As the Red Bull empire repositions itself, all eyes will be on Mekies to steady the ship — and possibly chart a new course for one of F1’s most iconic teams. The Horner era is officially over. Let the next chapter begin.

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