F1: Christian Horner Dismissed as Red Bull Team Principal After Two Decades

Christian Horner has been dismissed from his role as Team Principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing, ending a 20-year tenure that oversaw the team’s rise from midfield contenders to a dominant force in Formula 1. The decision, announced on Wednesday, is effective immediately. Laurent Mekies, formerly of the Racing Bulls sister team, has been named as Horner’s successor in both roles.

The move comes following a turbulent 18 months for Horner, who was at the centre of an internal investigation earlier this year after allegations of inappropriate conduct were made by a female employee. Although Red Bull GmbH cleared him following two internal probes, continued media scrutiny and tension within the team have remained in the spotlight.

Several talking points have emerged in the media regarding the circumstances surrounding his departure. Among them is ongoing speculation that internal unrest played a role, with reports suggesting that high-profile figures, including Max Verstappen’s father Jos Verstappen, had expressed dissatisfaction with Horner’s leadership. However, direct statements or verified sources for these claims have not been widely published.

Further speculation has centred around renewed scrutiny after alleged leaked communications came to light in recent weeks. Some outlets have reported that Red Bull GmbH considered a follow-up investigation, though no formal action was publicly confirmed.

While no official reason has been given for Horner’s dismissal, these off-track controversies and their perceived effect on team unity have been widely cited in the media as likely contributing factors.

On the track, Red Bull’s performance this season has failed to meet expectations. The team currently sits fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing McLaren by a substantial 288 points. Verstappen, the reigning world champion, has taken only two wins from 12 races thus far. Reports have also alluded to unrest within the garage, particularly involving Verstappen’s camp and Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, though no official comments have been made by the team regarding this internal dynamic.

Another recurring media talking point involves Verstappen’s contract. Speculation suggests that clauses may allow him to leave the team if certain key personnel, such as Horner, depart. While widely reported, no official confirmation of such clauses has been released by either Red Bull or Verstappen’s management.

The leadership reshuffle has extended beyond Red Bull Racing. Alan Permane, a seasoned figure with decades of experience in Formula 1, has been promoted to Team Principal at Racing Bulls, replacing Mekies. These broader structural changes reflect Red Bull GmbH’s reported efforts to stabilise its F1 operations amidst performance concerns and reputational challenges.

Despite the controversy surrounding his departure, Horner’s legacy remains substantial. Under his leadership, Red Bull Racing secured six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ Championships, with dominant eras led by Sebastian Vettel and later Max Verstappen. He departs as one of the most successful team principals in the sport’s history.

As Formula 1 enters the second half of the 2025 season, speculation continues over Verstappen’s long-term future with the team. With Laurent Mekies now at the helm and the championship balance in flux, Red Bull faces the twin challenge of restoring internal cohesion and reigniting its competitive form during one of the most turbulent chapters in its history.