Christian Horner has been dismissed by Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team after 20 years as team principal, Afrosport reports.
Horner had been in charge of Red Bull since 2005, leading them to six Constructors and eight Drivers’ Championships.
The energy drink-backed team however came under intense scrutiny since last year when Horner was accused of inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague which he denied and was eventually dismissed.
Red Bull have also seen several high-profile figures leave in the past few months, including legendary designer Adrian Newey to Aston Martin and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley to Sauber (which becomes Audi from 2026).
Horner departs as the longest-serving team principal in F1 history. His last race in charge was Sunday’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone and leaves with Red Bull currently fourth in the constructors’ standings, 288 points behind leaders McLaren.
“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull CEO, Corporate Projects and Investments said in a statement.
“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.”
20 years. 405 races. The grid bids farewell to its longest-serving Team Principal 🫡#F1 pic.twitter.com/S4qB4XqN7s
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 9, 2025
Horner’s dismissal also comes amid uncertainty over the future of four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, but is being linked with a possible move to Mercedes or Aston Martin next season when new engine regulations take effect.
Meanwhile, Laurent Mekies has been confirmed as the new team principal. He steps up to the senior Red Bull team having been team principal of sister squad Racing Bulls since the start of the 2024 season.
The 48-year-old Frenchman’s F1 career began with the now-defunct Arrows Grand Prix in 2000 before moving to Minardi which later morphed into Toro Rosso after Red Bull’s acquisition in 2005 and was made chief engineer.
BREAKING: Laurent Mekies takes over CEO duties at Red Bull Racing with immediate effect#F1 pic.twitter.com/z0VfUrVvA6
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 9, 2025
He also served as FIA director and deputy race director between 2014 and 2017 and as sporting director, deputy team principal and racing director at Scuderia Ferrari between 2018 and 2021.
Taking his place as team principal at Racing Bulls is while Alan Permane who moves up from his role as racing director.
