Why Christian Horner was fired by Red Bull after 20 years of service, eight F1 drivers’ titles & six championships

Red Bull Racing announced on Wednesday that Christian Horner has been removed from his role as CEO and Team Principal with immediate effect. Laurent Mekies, previously heading Racing Bulls, has been appointed as his successor. “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,” said a Red Bull spokesperson.

Christian Horner served Red Bull since the team's entry into F1

The decision ends Horner’s two-decade tenure with Red Bull, where he led the team since its entry into Formula 1 in 2005. Under his leadership, the team secured eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles.

Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO Corporate Projects and Investments, said, “We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. 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.”

Why Christian Horner was removed?

Although no official reason was attributed to the exit, Horner’s departure follows a period of internal conflict and declining results for Red Bull Racing. Though he had been cleared twice of allegations involving sexual harassment and controlling behaviour by a female employee, tensions within the team persisted.

The team has only won two races this season, as McLaren has emerged as the frontrunner. Red Bull’s performance began to dip midway through last season despite Max Verstappen securing a fourth consecutive drivers’ championship. Verstappen managed only two wins in the last 14 races.

Alan Permane to lead Racing Bulls as Team Principal

As part of the restructuring, Red Bull’s second team, Racing Bulls, has also announced leadership changes. Alan Permane, who was Racing Director, will now serve as Team Principal.

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

Permane said, “I feel very honoured to take on the role as Team Principal and would like to thank Oliver and Helmut [Marko, Red Bull advisor] for the trust they have shown in me. I am looking forward to working with Peter to continue the good work that both him and Laurent have done in taking this team forward. This is a new challenge for me, but I know that I can count on the support of everyone within them.”

Verstappen’s future uncertain amid leadership change

Horner's removal raises fresh questions about Verstappen’s future with the team. Though contracted until 2028, Verstappen has been linked with a possible move to Mercedes.

The driver is known to prefer stability, and internal divisions have affected his comfort within the team. His father, Jos Verstappen, previously warned that the team would “fall apart” if Horner stayed following the harassment allegations.

Key exits from Red Bull in past year

The departure of Horner adds to a series of senior-level exits at Red Bull. Adrian Newey, long regarded as one of F1’s greatest designers, resigned last year. Newey cited internal politics and dissatisfaction with how his contributions were acknowledged as reasons for leaving.

Jonathan Wheatley, Red Bull’s long-time Sporting Director, left at the end of last season and is now with Sauber. Will Courtenay, head of strategy, is also set to leave and join McLaren, though Red Bull is reportedly holding him to his contract.