In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world, Christian Horner has been sacked as Red Bull Racing's team principal, ending an iconic 20-year reign that saw the team rise from newcomers to world champions.
Horner, 51, who led Red Bull since its F1 debut in 2005, was officially relieved of his duties on Wednesday morning. This comes just a year after he was cleared twice following a controversial internal investigation into allegations of "inappropriate behaviour" involving a female colleague.
An Era Ends: Horner’s Legacy at Red Bull
Under Christian Horner’s leadership, Red Bull Racing won six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ Championships, including four consecutive titles with Sebastian Vettel (2010–2013) and four with current star Max Verstappen (2021–2024).
Horner also led the team to 124 race victories, making him one of the most successful team bosses in Formula 1 history. His departure marks the end of an era for the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
“With his tireless commitment, experience, and innovative thinking, Christian has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1,” said Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of Red Bull Corporate Projects and Investments.
Laurent Mekies Steps In
In a swift transition, Laurent Mekies, former team principal of sister team Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri), has been named the
new CEO of Red Bull Racing. His promotion signals a strategic restructuring as the team looks to move forward amidst internal turbulence and on-track challenges.
Performance Dip Raises Questions
While Horner’s exit stems from more than just recent racing results, Red Bull’s struggles at the 2025 British Grand Prix — where they failed to make the podium — have raised eyebrows. The team currently sits fourth in the constructors’ standings, a surprising position for a team that dominated F1 just a year ago.
Reactions Across the Paddock
F1 legend and commentator Martin Brundle revealed that Horner appeared “calm but disappointed” when they spoke shortly after the announcement.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen shared a heartfelt message on Instagram:
“From my first race win to four world championships, we’ve shared incredible successes. Thank you for everything, Christian.”
Inside the Power Struggle
According to insiders, Horner's exit may be part of a larger power struggle within Red Bull’s senior management, possibly driven by boardroom politics and differing visions for the team's future.
Though the exact reasons remain confidential,
Sportsclubindia has learned that internal divisions between the Austrian and Thai stakeholders in Red Bull may have played a key role.
What’s Next for Red Bull?
With Laurent Mekies now at the helm, all eyes will be on how Red Bull handles the rest of the 2025 season. Can they bounce back and fight for the championship? Or will this leadership shake-up trigger a period of transition and rebuilding?
One thing is certain: the Formula 1 world will never forget the Christian Horner era — a time defined by innovation, dominance, and fierce competition.
