Red Bull drops F1 bombshell: Why Christian Horner was fired after 20 years of dominance

Effective immediately, Christian Horner is out as Red Bull Racing’s team principal after 20 years at the helm. Laurent Mekies, formerly with Racing Bulls, takes over leadership duties for the main squad.

Horner fired despite Red Bull golden eras

In a bombshell move that’s rocked the Formula 1 world, Red Bull has cut ties with Christian Horner, ending the British team boss’s two-decade reign with immediate effect. Horner’s leadership spanned two golden eras—Sebastian Vettel’s dominance from 2010 to 2013 and Max Verstappen’s recent title run from 2021 to 2024—during which the team racked up eight Drivers’ Championships and six Constructors’ titles.

Who is Laurent Mekies, Horner’s replacement?

Starting with the Belgian Grand Prix in two weeks, Laurent Mekies will step in as Red Bull Racing’s new team principal. The Frenchman had been running Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls, and will now lead operations at the main Milton Keynes-based outfit. Alan Permane will replace Mekies at Racing Bulls’ base in Faenza.

Christian Horner misconduct allegations

The decision came from Red Bull’s parent company, spearheaded by CEO of Corporate Projects Oliver Mintzlaff. Horner had been closely aligned with the company’s former leadership, particularly with Dietrich Mateschitz, the Red Bull co-founder who passed away in October 2023. In the past year, Horner has faced mounting challenges: a high-profile workplace misconduct allegation from a former employee (amplified by his marriage to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell), the departures of key figures like legendary designer Adrian Newey, sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, and aerodynamics chief Rob Marshall, as well as the looming threat of losing star driver Max Verstappen.

Although Verstappen is under contract through 2028, performance-based clauses in his deal could allow him to walk away as early as next year. Mercedes is reportedly waiting on his decision before finalizing their driver lineup for 2026. That uncertainty has kept the F1 rumor mill spinning—and Toto Wolff’s roster wide open.

Red Bull’s recent choices haven’t exactly helped stabilize things. The team abruptly terminated Sergio Pérez’s contract, paying out the remaining two years, and lost major Mexican sponsors in the process. His replacements, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, have rotated through the second RB21 seat with little success. The team currently sits fourth in the Constructors’ Championship with just 172 points—well behind McLaren’s 460. Verstappen alone has accounted for 165 of those points and currently sits third in the Drivers’ standings.

Lack of public support from Max Verstappen

The Dutch star hasn’t publicly supported Horner through the drama, and this move may be part of a broader strategy to convince him to stay. Still, the risk of losing Verstappen feels more real than ever.

Red Bull released an official statement announcing, “Christian Horner is relieved of his operational duties as of today. Laurent Mekies has been appointed CEO of Red Bull Racing. Oliver Mintzlaff thanks Horner for his exceptional work over the past 20 years.”

Mintzlaff added: “Christian’s tireless commitment, experience, and innovative vision were instrumental in making Red Bull one of the most successful and captivating teams in F1. Thank you, Christian. You’ll always be a vital part of this team’s story.”

Red Bull’s success under Horner

Under Horner’s leadership, Red Bull claimed 14 championship titles, 124 race wins, 107 pole positions, and 287 podiums.

As for Mekies, it’s unclear whether his appointment is permanent or interim. Before joining Red Bull, he was a key figure at Ferrari, working closely with both Mattia Binotto and Fred Vasseur. He also previously collaborated with Charlie Whiting at the FIA in the sporting and safety divisions.

What next for Horner...and Verstappen?

What’s next for Horner remains a mystery. Despite the scandals, he remains one of the most respected figures in the paddock. He was the longest-serving team principal in F1—an honor that now falls to Mercedes’ Toto Wolff. Horner has previously been linked to Ferrari, although he’s never seemed eager to make the jump. Now that Red Bull has abruptly cut ties, those doors may be wide open.

The real question, though, is how this sudden shake-up will affect Red Bull’s most valuable asset: the best driver on the grid.

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