July 9, 2025 marked the end of an era in Formula 1, as Christian Horner was officially removed from his role as Team Principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing. After nearly two decades leading the team, the news has sent shockwaves through the F1 paddock and fanbase alike.
A Successful Legacy
Christian Horner became the boss of Red Bull Racing in 2005, the same year the team entered Formula 1. Over the next 20 years, he built Red Bull into one of the most successful and well-known teams in the sport’s history.
Under Horner’s leadership
- Red Bull won 6 Constructors’ Championships
- Their drivers won 8 World Championships (4 with Sebastian Vettel, 4 with Max Verstappen)
- The team earned over 120 race wins, 100+ pole positions, and hundreds of podiums
Horner was respected not only for his management skills but also for creating a strong team environment and developing young drivers like Vettel and Verstappen into world champions.
Reason behind his removal
Recent Pressure and Performance Drop: Despite past success, the 2025 season has been disappointing for Red Bull. By mid-season, the team had fallen to fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship, behind rivals like McLaren and Mercedes.
- Tensions inside the team had also been rising:
- Key technical staff had left in recent months, including design chief Adrian Newey
- Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley departed for a leadership role elsewhere
- Rumours of disagreement with star driver Max Verstappen and his father Jos added to the uncertainty
Although Horner was cleared in an earlier internal investigation in 2024, ongoing pressure around team politics and performance may have influenced the final decision.
Official Announcement
The decision was confirmed on July 9, with a short statement thanking Horner for his contribution to Red Bull Racing over the last 20 years. No specific reason was mentioned for his sudden exit. Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments, said in a statement:
Thanks to his hard work, experience, skills, and creative ideas, he played a big role in making Red Bull Racing one of the most successful and admired teams in Formula 1. Thank you for everything, Christian, you’ll always be an important part of our team’s history.
Who Is Replacing Him?
Red Bull has named Laurent Mekies as the new Team Principal and CEO. Mekies was previously leading the Red Bull sister team, Racing Bulls, and has a long history in F1, including roles at Ferrari, Toro Rosso, and the FIA.
His appointment shows that Red Bull is aiming to maintain stability by promoting from within. Mekies will now face the challenge of leading the main team back to the top. At the same time, Alan Permane, an experienced engineer, will take over as Team Principal at Racing Bulls, replacing Mekies.
What’s Next for Red Bull?
- Regain performance and catch up with rivals in the championship
- Maintain harmony among key figures, including Verstappen and new leadership
- Prepare for 2026, when new engine and car rules will take effect
Red Bull is at a turning point. Fans will be watching closely to see if this major change leads to a fresh start or more challenges ahead.
Conclusion
Christian Horner’s removal ends one of the longest and most successful periods for a team boss in Formula 1. From Red Bull’s very first win in 2009 to their championship dominance in the 2010s and early 2020s, Horner was always at the heart of the action. His departure marks a big shift, not just for Red Bull, but for the entire sport.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
