Christian Horner has been sacked by Red Bull with immediate effect after 20 years as team principal of the Formula 1 team.
Horner has been in charge of Red Bull since 2005, leading them to six Constructors and eight Drivers’ Championships.
Laurent Mekies has been appointed as CEO of Red Bull Racing, stepping up from the Racing Bulls team.
“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” said Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff.
“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.”
Horner has overseen two periods of dominance by Red Bull in Formula 1, with Sebastian Vettel and the team winning four consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ championships from 2010-2013 and Max Verstappen winning the last four drivers’ championships from 2021-2024. Red Bull were also constructors’ champions in 2022 and 2023.
Red Bull’s achievements under Horner
- Eight Drivers’ World Championship titles
- Six Constructors’ Championship titles
- 124 wins
- 107 pole positions
- 287 podium finishes
Horner has faced a turbulent last 18 months on and off the track.
Allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against him in February 2024 by a female colleague were dismissed following an appeal last summer. Horner denied the accusations throughout.
Christian Horner oversaw eight constructors’ and six drivers’ titles at Red Bull
Red Bull has seen several high-profile figures leave over the past 18 months, including legendary designer Adrian Newey to Aston Martin and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley to Sauber.
Horner’s last race in charge was Sunday’s British GP at Silverstone, where Verstappen started on pole position but finished fifth after a spin in the wet.
Four-time champion Verstappen is 69 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri at the halfway point of the season.
Red Bull are currently fourth in the constructors’ standings, 288 points behind leaders McLaren with Ferrari and Mercedes also ahead of them in the standings.
More to follow…