On July 9, 2025, a shockwave swept through the Formula 1 world: Christian Horner, the iconic team principal of Red Bull Racing, was dismissed effective immediately after twenty years. The 51-year-old Briton, who had been at the helm since the team’s inception in 2005, led Red Bull to unparalleled success with eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ titles. However, his position became untenable after a disappointing 2025 season and a controversial affair in 2024. Laurent Mekies, a French engineer with experience at Ferrari and most recently team principal of sister team Racing Bulls, takes his place. The dismissal comes at a time of great unrest within Red Bull, with rumors that four-time world champion Max Verstappen might leave for Mercedes after a poor performance at Silverstone.
Horner’s departure follows a tumultuous period. In February 2024, he was accused of inappropriate behavior toward a female employee, with leaked WhatsApp messages causing a media storm. An independent investigation conducted by Red Bull GmbH cleared him of charges of coercion, and after an appeal in the summer of 2024, Horner remained on. However, the affair continued to haunt his reputation, partly because the employee involved, who was later suspended, filed a lawsuit that will go to trial in January 2026. Despite the support of his wife, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, and Thai shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya, Horner gradually lost the confidence of the Austrian side, led by Mark Mateschitz and sporting director Oliver Mintzlaff.
Red Bull’s sporting malaise in 2025 played a crucial role in his dismissal. After a dominant period from 2021 to 2024, in which Verstappen won four consecutive world titles, the team slipped to fourth place in the constructors’ championship. The RB21 car, developed under technical director Pierre Waché, struggled with handling problems and tire wear, resulting in only two wins for Verstappen and lackluster performances from teammates Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda. The British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where Verstappen only managed fifth despite pole position, was the final straw. Horner’s promise to improve performance remained unfulfilled, and his focus on simulator work above a new wind tunnel, not due for completion until 2026, was seen as a strategic error.
Oliver Mintzlaff praised Horner in an official statement: “We would like to thank Christian for his exceptional work over the past twenty years. With his dedication, experience, and innovative thinking, he has made Red Bull Racing one of the most successful teams in Formula 1. He will forever remain an important part of our history.” Yet, the dismissal reflects a broader crisis within Red Bull. In recent years, the team has seen key figures leave, including technical genius Adrian Newey to Aston Martin and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley to Sauber. This exodus further weakened the team, while rivals like McLaren and Ferrari extended their lead.
Laurent Mekies, the new team principal, brings a wealth of experience. As a former race engineer at Minardi and Ferrari, and as the architect of the FIA’s halo cockpit protection system, he has a solid reputation. His recent success at Racing Bulls, where he led the team to a stable mid-table position, makes him a logical choice. At Racing Bulls, Mekies will be succeeded by Alan Permane, a veteran of the sport. Mekies faces the challenge of restoring Red Bull’s dominance, especially with the new 2026 regulations looming.
Max Verstappen, who trails World Championship leader Oscar Piastri by 69 points, responded subduedly: “Christian has meant a lot, but we have to look forward now,” he said, according to RacingNews365 . Rumors of a move to Mercedes, who would be able to pay his €102 million buyout fee, continue to persist, particularly following tensions with Horner and advisor Helmut Marko. On X, fans are reflecting mixed feelings, with some calling Horner’s departure “the end of an era”, while others are speculating about Verstappen’s future. Horner himself gave an emotional address to staff in Milton Keynes, where he was applauded. While no official reason was given for his dismissal, he hinted at future projects outside of Formula 1. As Red Bull charts a new course, Horner’s legacy – 124 race wins and 287 podiums – remains undisputed, but his departure marks an uncertain future for the team.
