In a move that has stunned the Formula 1 world, Red Bull Racing has officially sacked team principal and CEO Christian Horner, effective immediately, bringing a dramatic end to his remarkable 20-year tenure with the team.
The announcement signals not just a leadership change, but a seismic shift in the direction of one of the most dominant forces in F1 history.
Horner’s Era Comes to a Sudden Halt
Christian Horner has been removed from his roles as team principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing, effective immediately. This marks the end of a 20-year legacy that saw him transform Red Bull into a dominant force in Formula 1.
Read More: Is Christian Horner Getting Sacked? What’s Really Happening at Red Bull
A Legacy of Championships and Dominance
Since joining in 2005, Horner guided the team to six Constructors’ titles and eight Drivers’ Championships. He helped shape the careers of superstars like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, creating two eras of total dominance in the sport.
Why Red Bull Took the Step Now
The 2025 season has not gone as planned. Red Bull has struggled to keep up with rivals, winning only two races so far. Key team figures like Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley have departed, and internal tensions have reportedly increased. These factors likely influenced the team’s decision to make a leadership change.
Laurent Mekies Takes Charge
With Horner gone, Laurent Mekies has been appointed the new team principal. Mekies is now responsible for leading the team into the 2026 season, which brings major rule changes and the start of Red Bull’s in-house engine project. His role will be critical in rebuilding momentum and confidence.
What This Means for the Future
Red Bull must now focus on stabilising its performance and retaining Max Verstappen, whose future could come into question if results continue to decline. The next few months will be crucial in shaping the team’s direction in this post-Horner era.
Will This Affect Max Verstappen’s Next Season Situation?
Currently, the situation at Red Bull Racing is unstable, and their performance is not satisfactory, making it highly likely that Max will join Mercedes. Who is performing way better than Red Bull Racing? Even as a team, the second driver is not delivering well for Red Bull.
FAQs
Who is replacing Christian Horner as Red Bull team principal?
Laurent Mekies has taken over as the new team principal of Red Bull Racing following Horner’s departure.
Why did Red Bull sack Christian Horner?
Poor performance in the 2025 season, internal changes, and ongoing pressure led the team to end its 20-year partnership with Horner.
Will this affect Max Verstappen’s future with Red Bull?
It could. Verstappen’s future depends on the team’s performance and direction. A continued decline may influence his next career move.
