Christian Horner’s Red Bull Era Ends: F1’s Longest-Serving Team Principal Dismissed After Two Decades

8 September 2025 Motorsport

End of an Era at Red Bull Racing

Red Bull Racing has announced the immediate dismissal of Christian Horner from his position as CEO and Team Principal, with Racing Bulls team boss Laurent Mekies taking over the role.

Horner, a British motorsport executive and former racing driver, served as team principal and CEO of Red Bull in Formula One from 2005 to 2025, leading the team to six World Constructors’ Championship titles between 2010 and 2023.

Legacy of Success

During Horner’s tenure, Red Bull achieved remarkable success, securing eight drivers’ and six constructors championships. The team’s golden era included four consecutive drivers’ world titles with Sebastian Vettel between 2010 and 2013, followed by Max Verstappen’s dominance in recent years. Under Horner’s leadership, the team accumulated 124 Grand Prix wins, 107 pole positions, and 287 podium finishes.

Recent Challenges

After a record-breaking 2023 season, Red Bull’s performance has significantly declined. The team was first challenged by Ferrari and McLaren from May 2024, and this season they have fallen notably behind McLaren, with their points deficit approaching 300 at the season’s halfway point.

Internal Tensions and Team Changes

The team has experienced significant personnel changes in recent months, including the departure of design genius Adrian Newey to Aston Martin and Jonathan Wheatley’s move to become Sauber’s Team Principal. These changes, coupled with the upcoming 2026 regulations changes, reportedly influenced the decision for immediate leadership change.

Future Implications

The shake-up has raised questions about Max Verstappen’s future with the team. The Dutch champion, who has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, has remained silent about his plans despite rumours linking him to Mercedes. In announcing Horner’s departure, Red Bull’s CEO Oliver Mintzlaff acknowledged his contributions, stating, “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.”