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Christian Horner, the Team Principal of Red Bull, has been sacked from the role after 20 years in charge since the inception of the team in 2005. It is understood that the decision was made after Red Bull’s decline in form in the ongoing F1 2025 season apart from internal team disputes at the top, while the 51-year-old was himself accused of sexual harassment, coercive, and controlling behaviour by a female member of the team before being cleared twice.
During his time as Team Principal, Red Bull won the F1 Drivers’ Championship eight times, including Dutch-Belgian driver Max Verstappen’s recent run of four straight title wins in the sport. Apart from that, Red Bull also won the F1 Constructors’ Championship six times in their history, completing the four peat in 2013 when German driver Sebastian Vettel was at the peak of his powers behind the car.
Red Bull's decision came amid the rumours of Max Verstappen's exit from the team
The official statement on the sacking of Christian Horner from the team’s parent company, Red Bull GmBH - who had cleared him twice in the aforementioned case - read, “Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO (chief executive) of Red Bull Racing.” The sudden decision from Red Bull shows their desperation in regard to keeping their main driver Max Verstappen in the team amid the rumours of his exit.
While Max Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, he is officially in talks with Mercedes over a potential move next F1 season.
Moreover, Oliver Mintzlaff, the Red Bull’s Chief Executive of corporate projects and investments, addressed the departure of Christian Horner from the team, which read, “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,” he added.
