Red Bull Ends 20-Year Dominance: Christian Horner Sacked Due…See more
July 9, 2025 – Milton Keynes, UK – In a tectonic shift that has caused shockwaves in Formula 1, Red Bull Racing has axed Christian Horner as Team Principal and CEO with immediate effect, bringing an end to an incredible two-decade stint during which the team developed from upstart challenger to world supranational.
The news broke in the early morning hours of Wednesday (July 9), confirmed in a statement from Red Bull’s parent company. Laurent Mekies, managing principal of Red Bull’s sister company Racing Bulls, becomes new Red Bull Racing CEO, and Alan Permane will assume the Racing Bulls position .
A Distinguished Career Cuts Short
Joining Red Bull in 2005, Horner transformed the team from relative newcomer to outright power, claiming eight Drivers’ Championships and six Constructors’, including Vettel’s four-successive (2010–13) and Verstappen’s back-to-back triumph between 2021 and 2024 .
But 2025 has been more challenging. Red Bull is now trailing the likes of McLaren and Mercedes, lying fourth in the Constructors’ title and infuriating title driver Max Verstappen with an uncompetitive car (()).
The combustible mix was further added by internal scandals of recent date. While cleared in February 2024 of allegations regarding improper behavior by a female employee—after extensive investigation and appeal—those events were reported to have heightened tension among Red Bull’s management .
Power Struggles and Internal Dynamics
Behind the scenes, there has been simmering tension between Horner, Red Bull GmbH’s Austrian owners, influential advisor Helmut Marko, and father of Verstappen, Jos Verstappen, who had earlier called for Horner’s ouster . The passing away of co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022 once more reallocated power, increasing corporate control and diminishing Horner’s formerly absolute autonomy .
Official Statements and Legacy
The official release of Red Bull complimented Horner:
With his tireless work ethic, his experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has played a huge role in molding this Team into one of the best in F1.”
Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff also said:
“Thank you, Christian, for everything and you will always be part of our team history.”.
Neither Red Bull Racing nor Horner has issued personal statements beyond the corporate statement. Friends and erstwhile F1 personalities have responded with horror and empathy, acknowledging Horner’s profound impact on modern racing.
Implications for Red Bull and Verstappen
The announcement constitutes a mid‑season strategic change. Max Verstappen, once reportedly on the same page as Horner, is now losing his mentor amidst broader problems: departures of technical director Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, and questions surrounding Verstappen’s future—speculation including a potential move to Mercedes  .
Laurent Mekies then faces the twin challenge of soothing the team and enhancing on-track performance before the Belgian Grand Prix in two weeks’ time.
Industry Reaction
The heavy hitters have responded:
• Forlornly, Martin Brundle had this to say:
“I count Christian as a friend and he has done an incredible job… but it has not been easy to feel… things were not particularly rosy.”
• Jos Verstappen—Max’s father—had previously condemned Horner’s management, and was reported to have instigated the internal unrest ().
What’s Next?
Now that Mekies is in command and Permane is assuming the support team leadership role, Red Bull’s immediate priority will be:
1. Car performance upgrades to reverse on-track fortunes, particularly at Imola.
2. Stabilizing internal dynamics, mending cracks between staff, drivers, and ownership.
3. Ensuring Max Verstappen, whose commitment may be contingent upon the direction of the team.
Horner’s departure signals the end of a period of apprenticeship in Formula 1—and the beginning of a costly transition for Red Bull Racing.
