In a shocking and unforeseen action, Red Bull Racing declared on July 9, 2025, the instant termination of Christian Horner from his combined positions as team principal and CEO, concluding a remarkable 20-year leadership in Formula 1.
From Talents to Record Holders
Horner, named in 2005 as Red Bull Racing’s youngest principal, led the team into the spotlight. During his tenure, the team secured eight Drivers’ Championships and six Constructors’ titles, highlighted by the successful periods driven by Sebastian Vettel (2010–13) and Max Verstappen (2021–24).
Significant achievements feature the unprecedented 21 victories in 2023, along with Verstappen’s remarkable streak of 10 straight wins.
A Profession Marked by Dispute
Despite his achievements, Horner’s time was overshadowed by unrest. In February 2024, he was accused of inappropriate conduct involving a female team member—a charge he refuted. Although internal inquiries exonerated him later that year, the scandal sparked deeper conflicts within the team.
Notable figures such as Jos Verstappen and Helmut Marko allegedly supported worries and advocated for change behind the scenes.
At that same period, Red Bull faced a “brain drain” as significant technical individuals such as Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley, and Rob Marshall left.
The departure of Newey—potentially the most impactful F1 designer—significantly diminished Red Bull’s engineering foundation.
Decline in Performance and Divisions in Leadership
The 2025 season intensified internal conflicts. The newly named RB21 faced issues with inconsistency and poor handling, resulting in Red Bull remaining in fourth position in the Constructors’ standings—288 points trailing leaders McLaren.
Max Verstappen, whose contract apparently contains performance clauses linked to the car’s competitiveness, achieved just two victories in the season’s first half and was 69 points behind the current leader, Oscar Piastri.
The volatility of the runner-up position—with Pérez, Lawson, and then Tsunoda each facing difficulties—heightened the internal unrest within the organization.
Struggles for Control Behind Locked Doors
Reports indicate an increasing internal conflict between Horner and Oliver Mintzlaff (head of Corporate Projects & Investments at Red Bull Group), with Mintzlaff joining forces with Helmut Marko and Verstappen’s faction, perceiving Horner as a destabilizing influence.
Horner’s influence on the team, previously backed by the Thai Red Bull owners, seemingly started to decline after the passing of Dietrich Mateschitz in 2023.
The Choice and Its Consequences
Red Bull’s official statement conveyed appreciation, stating: “We wish to express our gratitude to Christian Horner for his remarkable contributions over the past 20 years… crucial in making Red Bull Competing against one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.
Horner’s departure signified the conclusion of a period—and the dismissal of the longest-serving team principal in Formula 1 history.
Fresh Leadership: Mekies and Permane
Laurent Mekies, who was previously the head of the junior team Racing Bulls, assumes the role of the new CEO of Red Bull Racing. Alan Permane, former racing director of Racing Bulls, takes over Mekies’ prior position.
Mekies’ hiring, contingent on a complete season at the Belgian Grand Prix later this month, indicates Red Bull’s effort to reestablish stability.
Responses from the Paddock
Martin Brundle, ex-F1 driver and commentator, stated:
“I don’t believe it’s entirely unexpected… but it does make me quite sad… Christian… has performed remarkably for two decades.”
Industry experts indicate that Horner’s exit is a component of a wider effort to enhance technical resources, halt the loss of personnel, and reassure Verstappen—whose future with the team is now in the spotlight again.
Planning for the Future
Red Bull is now in a crucial restructuring phase: a strategic shift aimed at tackling fundamental technical discrepancies and internal disunity. With Mekies and Permane settled in, the forthcoming Belgian GP at Spa on July 25–27 represents the initial true evaluation of whether the new leadership can rekindle Red Bull’s title pursuit.
Regarding Christian Horner, the motorsport community observes intently. Although views on his legacy vary, few contest his contribution to establishing Red Bull’s supremacy. His upcoming chapter—perhaps with a different team or in a new role—will also be fascinating to watch.
