In a stunning development that marks the end of an era in Formula 1, Christian Horner has been relieved of his duties as CEO and Team Principal of Red Bull Racing with immediate effect.
His departure, confirmed by Red Bull on Wednesday, concludes a legendary 20-year reign that saw the team rise from paddock newcomers to multiple-time world champions.
In his place, Red Bull has appointed the current Racing Bulls Team Principal Laurent Mekies as the new CEO of Red Bull Racing. Alan Permane will be promoted to Team Principal at Racing Bulls in a sweeping leadership reshuffle across the team’s F1 program.
“Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today,” a spokesperson confirmed. “Laurent Mekies has been appointed CEO of Red Bull Racing.”
Christian Horner took charge of Red Bull Racing in 2005, overseeing the team’s debut in Formula 1 and leading them to six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ titles, shared between Sebastian Vettel and current World Champion Max Verstappen.
However, the past 18 months have been turbulent for the team and its boss personally. In early 2024, Red Bull conducted an internal investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour toward a female employee. Despite being cleared, the controversy cast a long shadow.
Adrian Newey’s departure to Aston Martin also angered fans and the team bosses alike, while there is serious talk of Max Verstappen moving on from Red Bull to Mercedes next year, which may have also contributed to Horner’s departure.
With a host of changes in the administration, Red Bull Racing will be hoping to get some of its mojo back from the Belgian GP onwards. Despite being a long shot, Verstappen still remains in contention for the Drivers’ Championship behind Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris of the surging McLaren.
Christian Horner’s exit, while shocking, appears to be part of a broader reset within the Red Bull system. The company has moved swiftly to establish new leadership, signaling both a desire for fresh direction and an effort to stabilize relationships internally, particularly with Verstappen’s camp.
As the Formula 1 circus prepares for its next stop, all eyes will remain on Milton Keynes—not just for what happens on the track, but for how Red Bull Racing navigates life after Christian Horner.