Christian Horner Sacked By Red Bull After 20 Years As Team Boss

After around two decades at the helm as CEO and Team Principal, Red Bull Racing have sacked Christian Horner.

In a swift leadership reshuffle, Laurent Mekies, who currently leads Red Bull’s sister team Racing Bulls, will step into Horner’s shoes as CEO. Meanwhile, Alan Permane is set to take over as Team Principal at Racing Bulls, following his recent role as Racing Director.

Horner had led Red Bull Racing since its inception in 2005, overseeing the team’s transformation from ambitious newcomers to one of the sport’s most dominant forces. Under his leadership, Red Bull clinched six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ titles — four courtesy of Sebastian Vettel in the early 2010s, and four more with Max Verstappen.

Scandal, Leaks, and Growing Internal Fractures

The Englishman’s departure comes against a backdrop of declining on-track form and intensifying off-track unrest.

In early 2024, Horner was accused by a female colleague of sexual harassment and coercive, controlling behaviour, prompting an internal investigation. Though he was officially cleared in February 2024, the controversy escalated when, just a day later, a cache of sexually suggestive texts and images allegedly exchanged between Horner and his colleague was leaked to senior figures across the F1 paddock.

Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, warned following the allegations, “The situation is not good for the team and is driving people apart.” In an interview with the Daily Mail, claiming Red Bull would “explode” if Horner remained in charge.

“He is playing the victim when he is the one causing problems,” said Jos.

Corporate Backlash and Leadership Fallout

The situation drew further backlash from their own incoming engine partner Ford. In a letter addressed to the team, which was leaked to the Associated Press, Ford CEO Jim Farley expressed frustration over the how the allegations was handled.

“We are likewise frustrated by the lack of full transparency surrounding this matter with us, your corporate partners, and look forward to receiving a complete account of all findings.”

The episode left a lingering stain on Red Bull’s leadership, exposing divisions within the organisation itself.

Key Departures and a Fractured Culture

In recent years, Red Bull has seen an exodus of key personnel — Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley, Chief Engineering Officer Rob Marshall, and most notably, legendary designer Adrian Newey. The allegations were a key factor in Horner’s departure. Newey had also been increasingly dissatisfied with the internal dynamics at Red Bull, reportedly frustrated by what he saw as colleagues attempting to take credit for innovations he considered his own.

Along with the team’s on-track slump, the exits of top personnel have raised serious questions about the strength of Red Bull’s internal leadership and its ability to retain their talent.

Performance Drops and Verstappen’s Future in Question

Red Bull’s declining performance may have also been part of the equation behind Horner’s dismissal. On track, Red Bull’s dominance has visibly faltered. A team that claimed 21 of 22 Grands Prix in 2023 has managed just two wins so far this season. McLaren, who snatched the Constructors’ title last year, have carried that momentum into 2025 and now sit firmly atop the standings.

Uncertainty is growing around their world champion driver Max Verstappen. The Dutchman is contracted to Red Bull until 2028 but that hasn’t stopped Mercedes from making a play for his signature in 2025. Verstappen is currently third in the standings, trailing championship leader Oscar Piastri by 69 points.

An Era Ends And a Another Begins

Red Bull GmbH managing director Oliver Mintzlaff said in a statement on Wednesday, “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.”

With Horner gone and Verstappen’s future uncertain, Red Bull stands at a crossroads. No longer the hunted, but just another team chasing the pace.