Milton Keynes, UK – July 9, 2025 – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock, Christian Horner has left his position as Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, effective immediately. The departure concludes a remarkable 20-year tenure that saw the British manager transform the team from a fledgling entry into a championship-winning powerhouse.
Horner, 51, was a constant presence on the Red Bull pit wall since their debut in 2005. Under his leadership, the team secured eight Drivers` World Championships with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, alongside six Constructors` titles. His longevity and success made him one of the most recognizable and enduring figures in modern Formula 1.
The Brewing Storm Behind the Exit
While Red Bull`s dominance defined much of the recent era, Horner`s position had become increasingly precarious over the past year and a half. Multiple factors are understood to have contributed to his abrupt exit, culminating in a series of intense consultations among the energy drink company`s majority shareholders – Chalerm Yoovidhya and Mark Mateschitz – and group sports head Oliver Mintzlaff.
Lingering personal controversies, specifically the “sexgate” investigation from early 2024, had reportedly weakened his standing within certain factions of the company and the paddock, despite initial backing from the Thai majority owner. This external pressure exacerbated existing internal divisions within the Milton Keynes squad.
Adding to the complexity was the fluctuating performance of the team`s challenger. While Max Verstappen managed to clinch the 2024 Drivers` title – a testament to his extraordinary talent – the car was acknowledged to be less competitive than rivals like McLaren in the latter half of that season. This trend appears to have continued into 2025, where despite two victories for Verstappen, Red Bull currently sits fourth in the Constructors` Championship. The performance gap, coupled with the relatively meagre twelve points scored by teammates Liam Lawson and his replacement Yuki Tsunoda, highlighted underlying issues beyond the lead driver`s capability.
Verstappen`s Ultimatum: A Decisive Factor?
Perhaps the most significant element in this high-stakes drama was the apparent tension between Horner and the camp surrounding Max Verstappen. The internal “civil war,” which saw Horner reportedly aligned with the Thai shareholder while Verstappen and his loyalists formed an opposing bloc, had simmered beneath the surface for some time.
Verstappen`s continued success, including his fourth world title, temporarily papered over the cracks. However, persistent rumours of Mercedes` interest in the Dutch champion reportedly provided Verstappen with considerable leverage. According to paddock whispers, this culminated in a firm ultimatum: either Horner leaves, or Verstappen would explore options elsewhere. Faced with the choice between a long-serving but controversial team principal and arguably the sport`s most valuable asset, the ownership group, following meetings that reportedly included one after the recent Silverstone Grand Prix, ultimately sided with their star driver.
The 2026 Challenge and a Power Vacuum
Horner`s departure creates a sudden leadership void at a particularly critical juncture. Beyond managing the race team, he was a major proponent and figurehead of the ambitious Red Bull Powertrains program. The team is set to debut its own in-house power unit, developed in collaboration with Ford, when new engine regulations come into effect in 2026. This is an immense technical and logistical undertaking.
Navigating this complex transition period without the long-standing team principal at the helm presents a significant challenge. If not handled swiftly and effectively, the current instability risks compromising not just the 2026 season but potentially an entire cycle of technical regulations, casting a shadow over Red Bull`s long-term aspirations.
New Faces at the Helm
Laurent Mekies, previously the Team Principal of Red Bull`s sister squad, Racing Bulls, will immediately take over the reins at Red Bull Racing. Mekies brings recent leadership experience and prior knowledge from his time at Ferrari. Meanwhile, Alan Permane, a seasoned figure in the paddock, will step into Mekies` former role at Racing Bulls.
The change marks the end of an era and the beginning of an uncertain new chapter for Red Bull Racing as they seek to regain their footing and prepare for the pivotal technical changes on the horizon, all under the gaze of a sport perpetually fascinated by its own political dramas.
