Red Bull F1 team principal Christian Horner sacked after 20 years in charge

In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock, Christian Horner has been sacked as Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, effective immediately. The decision brings to an end Horner's remarkable 20-year tenure at the helm of the Milton Keynes outfit, a period during which he guided the team to unprecedented success, including six Constructors' Championships and eight Drivers' Championships. Laurent Mekies, formerly in charge of the Racing Bulls team, has been appointed as the new CEO of Red Bull Racing, stepping into Horner's formidable shoes.

"We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years," stated Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull managing director. "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."

Horner's leadership oversaw two distinct eras of Red Bull dominance in Formula 1. Under his guidance, Sebastian Vettel secured four consecutive drivers' and constructors' championships from 2010 to 2013. More recently, Max Verstappen has won the last four drivers' championships from 2021 to 2024, with Red Bull also clinching the constructors' titles in 2022 and 2023.

However, the past 18 months have been particularly turbulent for Horner, both on and off the track. He faced allegations of inappropriate behavior from a female colleague in February 2024, which were ultimately dismissed following an appeal last summer. Horner consistently denied these accusations. The team has also experienced several high-profile departures recently, including legendary designer Adrian Newey, who moved to Aston Martin, and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, who joined Sauber.

Horner's final race in charge was Sunday's British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where Max Verstappen started from pole position but finished fifth after a spin in challenging wet conditions. At the halfway point of the current season, four-time champion Verstappen trails championship leader Oscar Piastri by 69 points. Red Bull currently sits fourth in the constructors' standings, a significant 288 points behind leaders McLaren, with Ferrari and Mercedes also ahead of them. This leadership change comes at a critical juncture for the team as they look to regain their championship-winning form.