End of an era: Why Red Bull sacked team principal Horner after 20 years, 124 wins

Christian Horner, one of the most influential figures in modern Formula 1, has been dismissed as Red Bull Racing’s team principal after two decades at the helm. The shocking decision comes amid a storm of on-track struggles, internal power shifts, and eroding support from the highest levels of the Red Bull organisation.

In a short statement on Wednesday, Red Bull GmbH confirmed Horner’s dismissal with immediate effect but gave no reason for his departure. The move ends a tenure that delivered six Constructors’ Championships, eight Drivers’ titles, and 124 race victories, establishing Red Bull as a modern racing powerhouse.

Laurent Mekies, formerly of Ferrari and most recently leading Red Bull’s sister team Racing Bulls, steps in as the new CEO of Red Bull Racing. Alan Permane, a veteran strategist, will replace Mekies at Racing Bulls. Speaking shortly after the announcement, Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle said Horner confided in him that “no reason was given” for his removal.

Despite repeated denials, Horner’s recent months were marred by controversy. In February 2024, a female colleague accused him of inappropriate behaviour. Though two internal investigations cleared him, the allegations, and leaked material, cast a shadow. Combined with Red Bull’s recent competitive slump and a string of high-profile exits, including design legend Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, it became clear that Horner’s leadership was under threat.

Power struggles, paddock politics, and a team divided

Behind the scenes, Red Bull has been fractured. The 51% Thai and 49% Austrian ownership split left leadership unclear. Thai co-owner Chalerm Yoovidhya, once Horner’s staunchest supporter, reportedly withdrew backing after the controversy. Meanwhile, Jos Verstappen—father of star driver Max Verstappen—had long been critical of Horner’s role and influence.

At the time of Horner’s sacking, Red Bull was fourth in the Constructors’ Championship—288 points behind McLaren. Verstappen, who had previously dominated the sport, trails Oscar Piastri by 69 points midway through the 2025 season. Of the team’s 172 points, Verstappen has scored 165.

Insiders believe the leadership change was also a last-ditch attempt to retain Verstappen, who holds a performance-based exit clause in his contract. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff recently confirmed interest in signing the Dutchman.

The end of an era and the beginning of a new one

Christian Horner joined Red Bull in 2005 at age 31, making him the youngest team principal in F1. From humble beginnings with the former Jaguar team, he built Red Bull into a dominant force. Horner led them to back-to-back titles with Sebastian Vettel (2010–2013) and later ushered in the Max Verstappen era (2021–2024), including the record-breaking 2023 season where the team won 21 of 22 races.

“Christian’s leadership has been instrumental to our success,” said Red Bull’s corporate chief Oliver Mintzlaff. “He will forever remain part of our team’s legacy.”

Now, Mekies is tasked with restoring Red Bull’s fractured morale and performance, while Permane inherits the reins at Racing Bulls. Both leaders face a steep challenge, to keep Red Bull competitive in a sport rapidly evolving ahead of the 2026 engine regulation changes.

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