In one of the most shocking mid-season shakeups in recent Formula 1 history, Red Bull Racing has officially parted ways with long-serving Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner. After leading the team for 20 years, overseeing multiple championship eras and helping build one of the most dominant dynasties in F1, Horner was let go on July 9, 2025.
The decision sent shockwaves through the paddock and fanbase alike — not just because of Horner’s long tenure, but because of the timing and the undercurrent of deeper issues inside the Red Bull camp.
Horner took over the fledgling Red Bull Racing team in 2005 at just 31 years old. Under his leadership, Red Bull became a powerhouse — capturing six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ Championships, including the dominant stretch with Sebastian Vettel in the early 2010s and Max Verstappen in recent years. The numbers are staggering: 120+ wins, over 100 pole positions, and a cultural footprint that made Red Bull more than just a racing team — it became a movement.
But 2025 has not gone to plan. Red Bull currently sits fourth in the Constructors’ standings, behind McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes. Verstappen has looked increasingly discontented. Long-standing internal tensions — reportedly including friction with Max’s father Jos Verstappen — may have reached a boiling point.
While Red Bull has remained diplomatically vague, the official statement cites a “strategic shift in leadership” as the reason for Horner’s removal. Sources close to the team say the poor 2025 performance, plus the need for a clean slate ahead of the 2026 engine regulation changes (and Ford’s power unit debut), led to a boardroom decision to reset the culture.
In Horner’s place steps Laurent Mekies, formerly of Ferrari and most recently heading up Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri). Mekies is a sharp, technically-minded operator who’s been around F1’s top echelons for years. He’ll now be tasked with guiding Red Bull Racing through the rest of 2025 and into the future, where the team will switch to its first-ever in-house engine — powered by Ford.
Mekies’ rise also promotes Alan Permane to lead Racing Bulls, adding more shuffle to Red Bull’s racing empire.
According to reports from inside the team’s Milton Keynes factory, Horner gave an emotional farewell speech to staff, calling the decision a “shock” and describing his tenure as “the greatest privilege of my life.” He’s since posted a heartfelt message on social media, thanking the team, partners, fans, and competitors.
He ends his message by saying, “I’m incredibly proud of what we built together — and excited to see where Formula 1 heads next.”
Horner will now enter what is believed to be a mandatory “gardening leave” period, during which he cannot work with rival teams. However, his name is already being whispered in connection with other F1 organizations — even Ferrari, which could be eyeing a strategic leadership change of its own.
For Red Bull, the road ahead is steep. The team is trying to keep Verstappen onboard long-term, but losing Horner — someone Max trusted — could further complicate that mission. It’s also crunch time for development on their 2026 car and powertrain, where Ford joins as a key partner.
Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull Racing isn’t just a personnel change — it marks the end of one of Formula 1’s most iconic eras. Whether you were a fan of his methods or not, there’s no denying his influence on the sport and the team’s success.
As the 2025 season continues and the 2026 regulation shakeup approaches, all eyes will be on Red Bull Racing — and on Christian Horner, wherever he lands next.
What do you think? Was Red Bull right to cut ties with Horner now? Will Verstappen stay? Is Mekies ready? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
