Christian Horner departs Red Bull

Christian Horner has exited Red Bull Racing with immediate effect, with Laurent Mekies taking over as Chief Executive Officer of the Formula 1 team.

This marks a significant managerial reshuffle within the Red Bull motorsport empire.

Horner had been in charge of the Formula 1 team since its inception in 2005, holding the role of CEO and Team Principal for approximately 20 years.

He is credited with transforming the team from a points-scoring outfit into multiple World Champions. Under Horner, Red Bull have won the Drivers’ Championship eight times, with Max Verstappen winning the past four titles and Sebastian Vettel winning from 2010-2013.

Red Bull also won the Constructors’ Championship six times. The move has come after months of declining form for the team and internal disputes at the highest level.

As part of the wider changes, Laurent Mekies, who was previously the Team Principal of the sister team Racing Bulls, has been replaced in that role by Alan Permane, currently Racing Director at Racing Bulls, who has been promoted to Team Principal.

Horner’s dismissal comes amid uncertainty about the future of star driver Verstappen. The four-time world champion is under contract to Red Bull until 2028 but is being courted by Mercedes to potentially join them for next season.

Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s Chief Executive of Corporate Projects and Investments, said, “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.”

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