Red Bull Boss After 20 Years
A Sudden Departure Shocks F1
On July 9, 2025, Red Bull Racing Announced The Immediate Dismissal Of Christian Horner, Ending His Two-decade Reign As Team Principal And CEO. His exit came as a surprise to many in Formula 1 following a career where he guided the team from its early days in 2005 to becoming a multi-time champion force .
The Legacy of a Winner
Under Horner’s leadership, Red Bull climbed from mid-field entrant to a global powerhouse in Formula 1. He Helped Secure eight drivers’ championships And six constructors’ titles, with Standout Eras Including Those Of Sebastian Vettel And Max Verstappen .
What Sparked the Shake-Up?
Several factors led to his ousting And sparked:
- A 2024 misconduct probe cleared him, and that do not know, but tension lingered .
- Team struggles in 2025 left Red Bull fourth in the constructor standings .
- Influential voices—including Jos Verstappen—backed a change, citing friction with Horner.
New Leadership Takes Charge
Red Bull named Laurent Mekies, previously head of the sister Racing Bulls team, as the new CEO of Red Bull Racing. His former role will be filled by Alan Permane . The move signals a leadership reshuffle aimed at rebooting performance.
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The Farewell Message
Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull GmbH’s head of corporate projects, praised Horner:
“With his tireless commitment… 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.” .
Despite his abrupt removal, Red Bull acknowledged his lasting impact on the team’s history.
What This Means for Verstappen
Max Verstappen, currently third in the driver standings, remains under contract through 2028—with performance-based exit clauses . The leadership switch may be an attempt to retain its star driver by offering a fresh direction.
Final Thoughts
Christian Horner leaves as the sport’s longest-serving team principal, forever tied to Red Bull’s rise. Yet his departure marks a clear shift in the team’s future strategytriggered by performance issues, internal politics, and lingering off-track controversies.
Looking ahead, Laurent Mekies steps into a high-pressure role. For Horner, the door remains open to future opportunities in motorsport perhaps even on the rival side.