Christian Horner sacked as Red Bull F1 team principal and CEO

After more than 20 years at the helm of Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner is out as team principal and CEO, effective Wednesday.

The bombshell move comes at a tumultuous time for the Formula One team as it struggles to create a competitive car, sitting fourth in the constructors’ standings largely thanks to Max Verstappen’s performances this season.

“Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday, 9 July 2025) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing,” a spokesperson from Red Bull said in a news release.

Mekies, who was the team principal of Racing Bulls, will immediately replace Horner, with racing director Alan Permane taking over as the team boss at the sister team.

“The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter (Bayer, CEO of Racing Bulls). It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people,” Mekies said in a statement.

“The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning. Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path. He knows the team inside out and has always been an important pillar of our early successes.”

Horner has led Red Bull since 2005 and oversaw its dominant eras, including Sebastian Vettel’s run of world championships in the 2010s and Verstappen’s four titles since 2021. But this year, McLaren has dominated and neither the team nor Verstappen appear likely to battle for a title.

The news comes at a time when rumors are also swirling about Verstappen’s racing future.

“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull CEO of corporate projects and investments, said in the release. “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 1. Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”

Mekies is replacing Horner at Red Bull (Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)

Red Bull GmbH, the F1 team’s parent company, confirmed in early February 2024 that an independent investigation into allegations of controlling and inappropriate behavior against Horner by a female employee had been launched and “an external specialist barrister” would handle the matter.

Horner was questioned by a King’s Counsel (KC) on Feb. 9, and the season launch took place several days later. On Feb. 28, Red Bull GmbH announced the investigation was completed, and the grievance was dismissed.

In early March 2024, the employee was suspended, and this was related to the findings from the independent investigation, a person briefed on the matter told The Athletic. That same month, she filed an appeal.

Last August, Red Bull confirmed that the employee’s appeal was “not upheld.” Horner has denied the allegations.

This story will be updated

(Photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images)