(Motorsports news) Christian Horner has been sacked as Red Bull team principal following the British Grand Prix; Laurent Mekies, who was in charge of Racing Bulls, will replace Horner with immediate effect; watch the Belgian GP live on Sky Sports from July 25-27.
Red Bull told Horner of the shock decision on Tuesday evening before the 51-year-old addressed the team in an emotional speech on Wednesday morning at their UK base in Milton Keynes.
As per multiple sources, two senior management figures with close connection to Horner have also left Red Bull.
As per F1’s source Martin Brundle said Horner had told him “no reason was given to him” for his release. Red Bull’s statement did not give a reason.
Laurent Mekies has been appointed as CEO of Red Bull Racing, stepping up from the Racing Bulls team where Alan Permane will now take charge.
“It came as a shock to myself,” a tearful Horner told Red Bull’s staff in a video seen by multiple sources.
“I’ve had a chance to reflect over the last 12 hours and wanted to stand in front of all of you to break this news and to express my gratitude to each and every single member of the team that has given so much during the last 20-and-a-half years.
“When I arrived 20 years ago, there were a few less grey hairs. I walked into a team and did not know what to expect but I was immediately welcomed and we started to build what became a powerhouse in F1. Watching and being part of this team, has been the biggest privilege of my life.”
Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff said in the team’s statement: “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.”
Horner has overseen two periods of dominance by Red Bull in Formula 1, with Sebastian Vettel and the team winning four consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ championships from 2010-2013 and Max Verstappen winning the last four drivers’ championships from 2021-2024. Red Bull were also constructors’ champions in 2022 and 2023.
Horner has faced a turbulent last 18 months on and off the track.
Allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against him in February 2024 by a female colleague were dismissed following an appeal last summer. Horner denied the accusations throughout.
McLaren have usurped Red Bull as the dominant team in F1 while several high-profile figures have left the Milton Keynes outfit over the past 18 months, including legendary designer Adrian Newey to Aston Martin and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley to Sauber.
Horner’s last race in charge was Sunday’s British GP at Silverstone, where Verstappen started on pole position but finished fifth after a spin in the wet.
Four-time champion Verstappen is 69 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri at the halfway point of the season.
Also read: Red Bull confirm they can’t find a teammate for Verstappen
