In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock, Red Bull Racing has officially sacked Christian Horner as team principal, ending his remarkable 20-year tenure at the helm. The decision, announced on July 9, 2025, comes amid a period of declining performance for the Milton Keynes-based team and growing uncertainty surrounding its star driver Max Verstappen.
Christian Horner, 51, who has been the longest-serving team principal in Formula 1, was informed of his dismissal on Tuesday and delivered an emotional farewell speech to his colleagues at Red Bull’s UK factory on Wednesday. Tearfully addressing the team, Horner admitted the news came as a "shock," expressing deep gratitude for the dedication and achievements shared over two decades. His leadership saw Red Bull Racing rise from a fledgling outfit to one of the sport’s most dominant forces, securing 124 Grand Prix victories and guiding drivers Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen to four world championships each.
Red Bull’s managing director Oliver Mintzlaff paid tribute to Horner’s legacy, stating, “With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise, and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula One. Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”
The immediate cause of Horner’s removal is widely attributed to the team’s disappointing 2025 season. Once the dominant force, Red Bull now languishes in fourth place in the constructors’ championship, struggling with car performance issues and the loss of key personnel such as design chief Adrian Newey. The team’s recent poor showing at the British Grand Prix, where Verstappen finished fifth despite starting from pole, intensified pressure on Horner.
Adding to the turmoil are swirling rumors about Verstappen’s future, with speculation mounting that the four-time world champion may defect to rival teams Mercedes or Aston Martin once his contract’s break clauses come into effect later this month.
Horner’s successor is Laurent Mekies, who has been promoted from his role running Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls. Mekies, a former Ferrari racing director, now assumes the role of CEO of Red Bull Racing, tasked with steering the team back to championship contention.
This abrupt leadership change marks a dramatic turning point for Red Bull Racing, signaling a period of introspection and rebuilding as the team confronts a challenging competitive landscape and the potential loss of its marquee driver. The F1 community will watch closely as the sport’s most successful team principal in recent history steps away, closing a defining chapter in Formula 1’s modern era.