Christian Horner has been sensationally sacked as Team Principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing after more than 20 years at the helm.
The bombshell news follows a disappointing 2025 Formula 1 season, during which the once-dominant outfit has struggled to match the pace of rivals Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren. Horner, who oversaw 405 races, 124 wins, eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ championships, has been informed of the decision following an emergency meeting between key shareholders Chalerm Yoovidhya and Mark Mateschitz, along with Red Bull’s head of sport, Oliver Mintzlaff.
Dutch journalist Erik van Haren was among the first to break the story, posting on social media: “The bomb has dropped at Red Bull Racing. Team boss and CEO Christian Horner has been sacked after more than 20 years. Staff in Milton Keynes have just been informed.”
The Daily Mail echoed the reports, adding that an official announcement was expected imminently. The dismissal comes amid internal dissatisfaction with the team’s performance and Horner’s recent management decisions, including the controversial early-season switch that saw Liam Lawson replaced by Yuki Tsunoda after only two races.
Max Verstappen’s future has also become a source of uncertainty. The three-time world champion currently sits third in the drivers’ standings behind McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri and has been the subject of increasing speculation linking him with Mercedes and Aston Martin.
Following a lacklustre showing at Silverstone, where Nico Hülkenberg remarkably finished on the podium for Kick Sauber, the pressure mounted on Horner. Ultimately, Red Bull’s top brass deemed a change at the top unavoidable.
Red Bull have confirmed that Laurent Mekies, previously with Racing Bulls, will assume the role of team principal. In turn, Alan Permane has been named Mekies’ successor at VCARB.
Mintzlaff paid tribute to Horner in a statement: “We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. 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. You will forever remain an important part of our team’s history.”
Though Horner departs under difficult circumstances, his legacy at Red Bull remains remarkable. From guiding the team to its first title in 2010 to masterminding Verstappen’s recent dominance, he leaves as one of the most decorated team principals in F1 history.