Red Bull quickly and effectively fired longtime CEO and team principal Christian Horner.
Horner has been in charge for Red Bull for the past 20 years since entering the sport as a new constructor in 2005. However, a Red Bull spokesman confirmed to the racer that “Red Bull released from his operational obligations today (July 9, 2025) by Christian Horner from his operational obligations.”
Red Bull appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing, and the principal of the Racing Bulls team was replaced by Alan Permae’s previous role.
Horner faced an off-track investigation into his actions against employees last year, and for the past 18 months the team has slipped out of competitiveness. Despite winning last year’s Drivers Championship, Max Burstappen, the team finished third in the 2024 Constructors rankings and now fourth behind McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes, while Verstappen is Oscar Piastri, 69 points in this year’s title fight.
There have also been many famous departures in the form of Adrian Newey, as team principal from Aston Martin and former sports director Jonathan Wheatley.
The decision to remove Horner ended the longest reign of the currently employed team principal, with Red Bull winning eight driver championships, six constructor titles and 124 races rep.
“I would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the past 20 years,” said Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments. “His tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking helped him establish Red Bull Race as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.
“Thank you to everything, Christian. You will remain an important part of our team’s history.”
Horner’s departure comes in 2026 when there was significant speculation about Verstappen’s future, linked to its journey to Mercedes. Dutchman has performance-based clauses in contracts that can be moved before the end of the current transaction, which runs until 2028.
Mekies was promoted from Racing Bulls, who served as Team Principal in the second spell since early 2024, and served as Deputy Team Principal and Racing Director from Ferrari. Prior to that, he worked for the FIA, became a deputy race director, and began his Formula 1 career with Arrows in 2001, joining Minardi before his takeover and rebranding as Toro Rosso.
