On Wednesday morning, July 9, 2025, a bomb exploded in the world of Formula 1: Christian Horner, the man who directed Red Bull Racing for twenty years, was immediately fired as head and team CEO. The 51 -year -old British, who has been in charge of the Austrian team since 2005, was responsible for the disappointing performance of the 2025 season. Laurent Mekies, until recently head of the Racing Bulls brothers team, he occupies his place as the new CEO of Red Bull Racing. Shortly after the announcement, Horner appeared for the press in Milton Keynes, while Max Verstappen, four -time world champion, gave his first reaction to the unexpected news. This marks the end of an era for Red Bull and raises questions about the future of the team and its star driver.
Horner’s departure occurs after a tumultuous period. Under his leadership, Red Bull of a newcomer grew in 2005 to a dominant force, with six builder holders and eight driver titles, including four followed for Verstappen from 2021 to 2024. However, after a strong start in 2024, Red Bull was surpassed by McLaren and Ferrari, which ended in the construction championship. In 2025, the RB21 car, under the leadership of the technical director Pierre Waché, remained difficult to control, with only five podium places for Verstappen and thin results for his teammate Yuki Tsunoda. Horner’s emphasis on simulator work on a new wind tunnel, which was only ready in 2026, was seen as a strategic false step. In addition, a power struggle within the team, especially between Horner and the Verstappen family, played a role. According to F1-sinsider.com, Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, would have had a heated conversation with Horner after the British Grand Prix, which further promoted tensions.
During a brief press conference, Horner thanked the team and fans, without accepting the reasons for his resignation. “Twenty years is a long time, and I am proud of what we have achieved,” he said, according toDe Telegraaf. He wanted the success of Red Bull and hinted at future projects outside Formula 1. Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of Red Bull’s Business Projects, praised the “tireless use and innovative thought” by Horner, but emphasized that it was time for change. Laurent Mekies, the 48 -year -old Frenchman who is now taking the lead, brings great experience. Mekies began his career in Minardi, worked as a racing engineer for Mark Webber and Christijan Albers, and played a key role in Ferrari as race director. In the FIA he introduced the protection of Halo-Cockpit, a milestone in the security of sport. His recent work in Racing Bulls, where he has led since 2024, gave him praise for his technical sharpness and leadership.
Max Verstappen, who is currently third in the championship with 69 points behind the leader Oscar Piasstri, responded cautiously. During an interview after the ad, cited byRacingNews365He said: “Christian has meant a lot for this team, but now we have to advance. I hope to work with Laurent and see how we take the team to the top again.” Rumors about a possible change to Mercedes, who would be willing to pay its global payment of 102 million euros. The open criticisms of Jos Verstappen to Horner and the structure of the team have fed these speculations, especially after a fifth disappointing place in Silverstone.
Rescue it in Red Bull also includes the promotion of Alan remains the head of the Racing Bulls team, where Mekies continues. Remained, a veteran in sport, described the role of “an honor” and promised to preserve the “incredible spirit” of the team. Mekies herself praised for her time in Racing Bulls: “It was a privilege to build this team. Alan is the right man to continue.” For Red Bull Racing, Mekies faces a difficult task: obtaining the team of a sports fall and retaining the confidence of Verstappen in a crucial year for the new regulations of 2026. While the world of Formula 1 follows the developments, the game of Horner marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new uncertain but exciting phase for the races of Bull Red Bull.
