On July 9, 2025, the world of Formula 1 sent a crash golf: Christian Horner, the iconic head of the Red Bull Racing team, was dismissed immediately after twenty years. The 51 -year -old British, who has been to the helm in 2005 since the team was founded, led Red Bull to incomparable success with eight driver titles and six builders. However, his position became unsustainable after a disappointing season 2025 and a controversial issue in 2024. Laurent Mekies, a French engineer with experience in Ferrari and recently head of the Racing Bulls brothers team, occupies his place. The dismissal comes at a time of great disturbances within Red Bull, with rumors that the four -time world champion, Max Verstappen, can leave Mercedes after a weak achievement in Silverstone.
Horner’s departure follows a tumultuous period. In February 2024 he was accused of inappropriate behavior towards an employee, with WhatsApp filtered messages that caused a media storm. An independent investigation, conducted by Red Bull GmbH, spoke to him without accusations of coercion, and after a profession in the summer of 2024 Horner remained. However, the matter continued to chase its reputation, partly because the employee referred to, which was later suspended, hardened a lawsuit that reached the Court in January 2026. Despite the support of his wife, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and the Tai Challerm Yoovidhya shareholder, Horner gradually lost the confidence of Austria Austria, directed by Mark Mateschitz and Sports Directz Affing.
Red Bull’s sports discomfort in 2025 played a crucial role in his resignation. After a dominant period from 2021 to 2024, in which Verstappen won four worldwide titles in a row, the team fourth in the Construction Championship. The RB21 car, developed under technical director Pierre Waché, was fighting with control problems and tire wear, which resulted in just two victories for Verstappen and the thin performance of teammates Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda. Great Britain’s Grand Prix in Silverstone, where Verstappen ended only fifth despite the pole position, was the fall. Horner’s promise to improve performance was not fulfilled, and his approach to simulator work on a new wind tunnel, which was only ready in 2026, was seen as a strategic error.
Oliver Mintzlaff praised Horner in an official explanation: “We want to thank Christian for his exceptional work in the last twenty years. With his dedication, experience and innovative way of thinking, he has made Red Bull Racing one of the most successful teams of Formula 1. remains an important part of our history forever.” However, dismissal reflects a broader crisis within Red Bull. In recent years, the team of key figures VIO, including the technical genius Adrian Newey to Aston Martin and sports director Jonathan Wheatley to Sauber. The team weakened this void even more, while rivals like McLaren and Ferrari raised their leadership.
Laurent Mekies, the new team leader, brings great experience. As former racing engineer in Minardi and Ferrari, and as an architect of Halo-Cubo protection in the FIA, he has a solid reputation. His recent success in Racing Bulls, where he led the team to a stable medium adjustment position, makes it a logical choice. In Racing Bulls, Mekies is happened by Alan, a veteran in sport. Mekies faces the challenge of restoring Red Bull’s domain, especially with the new 2026 regulations in view.
Max Verstappen, who is 69 points behind the leader of the Oscar Piasstri World Cup, replied modestly: “Christian has meant a lot, but we have to look forward now,” he said according toRacingNews365. Rumors about a change to Mercedes, which could pay its global sum of 102 million euros, persist, especially after tensions with Horner and the Helmut Marko advisor. In X, fans reflect mixed feelings: some call Horner’s departure “the end of an era”, while others speculate on the future of Verstappen. Horner himself spoke emotionally with Milton Keynes staff, where he received applause. Although he did not receive any official reason for his resignation, he hinted at future projects outside Formula 1. While Red Bull takes a new course, the Racial Victories Legacy-124 of Horner-124 and 287 podiums of the undisputed podium-rods-rods, but its departure marks an uncertain future for the team.
