The Formula 1 world was turned upside down as Red Bull informed staff at its Milton Keynes factory that Christian Horner had been dismissed after more than 20 years at the helm. The move brings an abrupt close to the longest team principal reign in modern F1, ending Horner’s tenure just days after the 2025 British Grand Prix and in the midst of escalating unrest within the team.
According to multiple sources inside Red Bull, the decision came directly from a crisis meeting involving owners Chalerm Yoovidhya and Mark Mateschitz, alongside Red Bull Group CEO Oliver Mintzlaff. Despite having a contract through 2030, Horner was told to step down as the top brass blamed him for the team’s slide in results and for failing to unite the fractured squad during a turbulent period.
The news follows a rocky period for Red Bull. Max Verstappen could only manage fifth at Silverstone, while teammate Yuki Tsunoda again missed out on points.
The team now finds itself a distant fourth in the constructors’ standings, with the momentum once enjoyed after a dominant 2023 season having all but evaporated. Only Verstappen’s brilliance allowed Red Bull to celebrate a fourth consecutive drivers’ championship last year, even as rivals like McLaren surged ahead.
Red Bull issued a statement confirming the move: “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.”
Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO Corporate Projects and Investments, paid tribute to Horner’s immense impact on Red Bull and Formula 1.
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“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” Mintzlaff said. “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.”
A Downward Spiral and the Cost of Turmoil
The announcement caps off months of speculation and in-fighting that began with an internal investigation into alleged misconduct by Horner, a storm he appeared to weather at the time.
Yet the underlying power struggle between Red Bull’s Austrian and Thai factions never truly settled. The once-steadfast support of Yoovidhya ultimately faltered, especially as performance faltered and Verstappen’s future with the team became uncertain.
Red Bull’s competitive slide has been marked by high-profile departures from the technical team. Chief technical officer Rob Marshall left for McLaren, while legendary designer Adrian Newey joined Aston Martin and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley moved to Sauber.
Head strategist Will Courtenay is set to join McLaren next year. The exodus of top talent has left Red Bull scrambling to regroup at a time of sweeping change, next year the team will race with a self-developed engine for the first time.
What Comes Next for Red Bull?
With Horner’s departure confirmed, Red Bull wasted no time in announcing a new leadership structure. Effective immediately, Laurent Mekies will take over the duties of CEO at Red Bull. Mekies, who was instrumental in launching Racing Bulls, reflected on the transition.
“The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter,” Mekies said. “It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people.
“The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning. Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path. He knows the team inside out and has always been an important pillar of our early successes.
“Looking to the future, I am excited to be taking on the role of CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, one of the most successful and dynamic teams in the sport. It’s an honour to be part of this group of brilliant people that embody the Red Bull spirit.
“Together we will achieve great results, building on the incredible legacy left by Christian Horner during his two decades in charge.”
As Mekies moves up, Alan Permane, currently Racing Director, is promoted to Team Principal at Racing Bulls. Permane brings decades of experience to his new role and acknowledged the trust placed in him by Red Bull’s leadership.
“I feel very honoured to take on the role as Team Principal and would like to thank Oliver and Helmut for the trust they have shown in me,” Permane added.
“I am looking forward to working with Peter to continue the good work that both him and Laurent have done in taking this team forward. This is a new challenge for me, but I know that I can count on the support of everyone within them.”
The shake-up comes as Red Bull looks to steady the ship before a new era of regulations in 2026, with major changes to both leadership and technical structure aimed at reclaiming its former dominance.
