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2 months ago
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The Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has been sacked with immediate effect. Horner, who has been in charge of Red Bull since the team was formed in 2005, will be replaced by the principal of sister team Racing Bulls, Laurent Mekies.
Horner’s surprise removal as principal and chief executive of Red Bull Racing was confirmed in a statement from Red Bull’s parent company on Wednesday morning and comes just over 17 months since Horner was embroiled in a scandal involving accusations of inappropriate behaviour by an employee, though he was later cleared by an investigation.
The statement read: “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. Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO Corporate Projects and Investments thanked Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.”
“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.” said Mintzlaff. “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.”
Staff at Red Bull were told of Horner’s sacking at 10am on Wednesday morning. Under Horner’s leadership Red Bull have won eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ championships as one of Formula One’s most successful teams.
However during the investigation into Horner’s behaviour it was understood there had been a power struggle between Horner and parent company Red Bull GMBH, with the reigning world champion Max Verstappen’s father Jos Verstappen openly calling for him to be removed. Horner appeared to have weathered that storm and attended Silverstone at the weekend and his sacking was not anticipated to take place in the paddock.
Verstappen finished fifth in Sunday’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone – a race which would turn out to be Horner’s last in charge.
Racing Bulls have confirmed that racing director Alan Permane will replace Mekies as Racing Bulls’ principal.
Horner and Red Bull Racing have yet to comment.
This story will be updated
