Red Bull has officially parted ways with Christian Horner, ending his two-decade reign as team principal during one of the most successful eras in Formula 1 history.
Horner’s dismissal was confirmed on Wednesday after weeks of speculation and internal tensions within the Red Bull camp. His exit marks a dramatic shift in leadership during a season already riddled with uncertainty and underperformance.
Horner first took charge in 2005 and led Red Bull to 124 race wins, six constructors’ titles, and eight drivers’ championships. His leadership helped establish Red Bull as one of F1’s top powerhouses alongside Ferrari and Mercedes. But recent friction inside the team has reached breaking point.
Sources revealed key meetings happened during the Austrian and British Grands Prix involving Max Verstappen and Oliver Mintzlaff, a top Red Bull executive. Verstappen’s future has been a major concern, with reports suggesting Mercedes is watching closely for any contract exit options.
Laurent Mekies, previously with Racing Bulls, has been promoted to CEO of Red Bull Racing. The change follows a period of political divide within the team, especially after the death of company co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022.
The past year was turbulent for Horner, who survived an internal misconduct investigation. But he also clashed with Jos Verstappen and lost key ally Adrian Newey to Aston Martin. With pressure mounting from Red Bull’s corporate leadership, support from majority shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya appears to have faded.
Red Bull issued a formal thank you: “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.”
The decision marks the end of an era for Red Bull, as they now face a critical rebuild both on and off the track.
