NEW DELHI: In a stunning move that marks the end of an era in Formula 1, Red Bull Racing has sacked Christian Horner after 20 years at the helm. Known as one of the most influential figures in modern motorsport, Horner’s abrupt departure comes amid months of tension, internal disagreements, and a dip in the team’s on-track performance.
The news first broke through Dutch F1 journalist Erik van Haren, who posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“The bomb has dropped at Red Bull Racing. Team boss and CEO Christian Horner has been sacked after more than 20 years.”
Shortly after, Red Bull confirmed the news, stating that Horner had been “released from his operational duties with effect from today.” Staff at the team’s Milton Keynes headquarters were informed earlier in the day.
A Two-Decade Legacy Comes to a Close
Christian Horner has been the face of Red Bull Racing since the team’s debut in 2005. Under his leadership, the team evolved from a mid-field hopeful into a Formula 1 dynasty—winning six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ titles with stars like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. His mix of strategic sharpness, calm media presence, and long-term vision helped shape Red Bull into one of the most successful teams in F1 history.
But Horner’s final months in charge were far from smooth. Earlier this year, allegations about his private life triggered an internal investigation. Though he was ultimately cleared, the controversy lingered, raising questions about his authority within the team. Tensions reportedly escalated behind the scenes, with even Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, allegedly losing faith in Horner’s leadership.
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Add to that Red Bull’s recent performance slump—falling behind rivals McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes in the 2025 standings—and the pressure to make a change became unavoidable.
Laurent Mekies Takes Over Red Bull Racing
In a fast-paced leadership shake-up, Red Bull has named Laurent Mekies, current Team Principal of their sister team Racing Bulls, as the new Team Principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing.
Mekies brings decades of experience, having previously worked at Ferrari and the FIA. In 2023, he joined Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri), helping to relaunch the team with new energy and purpose. Now, he steps into one of the most high-pressure roles in motorsport.
Reacting to the transition, Mekies shared a heartfelt message:
“The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead Racing Bulls with Peter [Bayer]. It’s been an amazing adventure to help build this team from the ground up alongside our talented people.
The spirit here is incredible, and I truly believe this is just the beginning. Alan [Permane] is the perfect person to take over. He’s been a key part of our early success and knows the team inside out.”
Alan Permane Becomes Racing Bulls Team Principal
As Mekies moves up, Racing Bulls has promoted Alan Permane, its experienced Racing Director, to the role of Team Principal. Permane is a respected veteran in the F1 paddock, with over three decades of experience at teams like Renault and Alpine.
Speaking about his new role, Permane said:
“I feel very honoured to take on the role as Team Principal and want to thank Oliver [Mintzlaff] and Helmut [Marko] for putting their trust in me.
This is a new challenge, but I know I can rely on the support of everyone in the team. I’m looking forward to building on the great work Laurent and Peter have already done.”
Horner’s exit couldn’t come at a more critical time. Red Bull has lost momentum in the 2025 season, with McLaren and Ferrari making big gains. Max Verstappen, the team’s star driver, hasn’t won a race in weeks, and rumours are swirling about a possible move to Mercedes.
While Red Bull hasn’t released a full explanation for Horner’s departure, it’s clear that internal friction and performance concerns pushed the team to make a bold move.
Now, with Laurent Mekies at the helm, the team faces a challenging mid-season reset. His task will be to steady the ship, rebuild trust inside the garage, and reignite Red Bull’s winning spirit.
A Chapter Closes, a New One Begins
Christian Horner leaves behind a lasting legacy. For two decades, he was the architect of Red Bull’s success, overseeing some of the most memorable moments in modern F1. Whether it was nurturing young talent, outmaneuvering rivals in strategy, or navigating the politics of the paddock, Horner was always at the centre of the action.
As Formula 1 heads into the second half of the 2025 season, Red Bull is once again at a crossroads.
