Christian Horner, Oracle Red Bull Racing Split After 20 Years

The longest-tenured team principal in Formula 1 is now searching for a new job. Christian Horner, who started Oracle Red Bull Racing from scratch, was let go by the team on Wednesday following 20 years with the energy drink firm’s Formula 1 team.

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

“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 led Red Bull to fame and fortune across the world, winning an impressive eight driver’s championships, six constructor’s titles and 124 race wins during his time with the Milton Keynes, England-based outlet.

Horner is being replaced by Laurent Meikies, who takes on the CEO role as the only other person to run the Red Bull Racing team besides Horner. Meikies, who was the team principal of Red Bull’s junior team Racing Bulls, will be replaced by Alan Permane.

“The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter [Bayer, Racing Bulls CEO],” Mekies said. “It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people. The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning.

“Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path. He knows the team inside out and has always been an important pillar of our early successes.”

The move sent shockwaves throughout the world, as Red Bull and Horner have been synonymous with one another since the beginning.

Horner was rumored to take over the team principal role at Ferrari, which signed Lewis Hamilton entering this season.

Horner had a difficult last year and a half with the team, as lead builder Adrian Newey left for Aston Martin. He also elevated and then subsequently demoted Liam Lawson after letting Sergio Perez go.

He placed Yuki Tsunoda in the second Red Bull car, but he and lead driver Max Verstappen have struggled in 2025. Verstappen has a pair of wins, but only have five podiums in 12 races, and sits 69 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri of McLaren. Tsundo has only scored 10 points.