Red Bull have sacked Christian Horner as their team principal, marking the end of his 20-year stint in that role within the F1 team.
Horner’s tenure coincided with their inception in 2005 and the Brit has overseen their rise to eight drivers’ championship and six constructors’ championship titles.
However, despite the on-track success the 51-year-old has had to battle off-track issues. Last year he was accused of sexual harassment and coercive, controlling behaviour by a female employee.
Horner was twice cleared of the claims, firstly after an internal investigation conducted by a lawyer, then by another lawyer who dismissed the complainant’s appeal.
Horner helped steer Max Verstappen to a fourth-straight F1 world championship last season, but currently Red Bull are being overshadowed by McLaren this season.
And the decline of the team’s performance coupled with the ongoing conflict internal disputes has seen Horner’s time at Red Bull come to an end, despite his contract not expiring until 2030, with Laurent Mekies his successor.
Red Bull statement on Christian Horner’s sacking
‘Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday 9 July 2025) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing,’ said a Red Bull spokesperson.
‘Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO Corporate Projects and Investments thanked Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.”
Mintzlaff added: ‘We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.
‘With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.
‘Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.’
Christian Horner statement
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Horner wrote it was with a “heavy heart” he had to say goodbye.
‘After an incredible journey of 20 years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the team I have absolutely loved.
‘Every one of you, the amazing people at the factory, have been the heart and soul of everything that we have achieved. Win and lose, every step of the way, we have stood by each other as one and I will never forget that.
‘It’s been a privilege being part of and leading this epic team and I am so proud of our collective accomplishments and you all.
‘Thanks to the amazing partners and fans who enabled us to go racing. Your support has helped grow the team from its humble beginnings to an F1 powerhouse that laid claim to six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ Championships.
‘Equally, thank you to our rivals, with[out] whom there would be no racing at all. You’ve pushed us, challenged us, and enabled us to achieve accolades we never dreamed possible. The competition has made every victory sweeter and every setback an opportunity to develop and grow.
‘Formula 1 is a sport built on relentless ambition, passion, and respect. The rivalries have been fierce, but the mutual drive to innovate and raise the bar is what has made this journey so special.
‘It’s been an honour to be part of this incredible era of motorsport. I leave with immense pride in what we’ve achieved and also with what’s in the pipeline for 2026 – and huge respect for everyone who’s made F1 the pinnacle it is today.’
Max Verstappen’s statement
Verstappen took to social media to thank Horner for his success.
‘From my first race win, to four World Championships, we have shared incredible successes,’ the Dutchman wrote.
‘Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!’
