Christian Horner began his tenure as Red Bull’s team principal in January 2005, becoming the youngest individual to hold such a position in F1.
Christian Horner has been relieved of his duties as Red Bull team principal, concluding a 20-year leadership role.
The 51-year-old executive had overseen the Formula 1 team since its establishment in 2005, guiding them to secure eight drivers’ championship titles and six constructors’ championship titles.
This decision follows a period marked by the team’s declining performance and internal disagreements at the highest levels of the organization.
The dismissal occurs 17 months after Horner was subjected to allegations of sexual harassment and coercive behavior by a female employee.
Horner was twice cleared of these claims, initially after an internal investigation conducted by legal counsel, and subsequently by another attorney who dismissed the complainant’s appeal.
“Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today,” the team’s parent company, Red Bull GmBH, stated.
While Horner has been removed from his role, it has not been made clear if he has formally departed the company or if a settlement or severance is in place.
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen acknowledged Horner’s contributions on social media.
“From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records,” Verstappen said., external
Horner will be succeeded as team principal and chief executive of Red Bull Racing by Laurent Mekies, who has been promoted from the Racing Bulls team.
Mekies, 48, had been in his previous role since the start of the 2024 season and previously served as racing director for Ferrari.
Alan Permane, 58, has been promoted to team principal of Racing Bulls from his position as racing director.
Under Horner’s leadership, Sebastian Vettel secured the drivers’ championship from 2010 to 2013, followed by Verstappen, who has won the last four titles.
“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” stated Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s chief executive of corporate projects and investments.
“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’s dismissal introduces uncertainty regarding the future of star driver Verstappen.
The four-time world champion is contracted with Red Bull until 2028 but is reportedly being courted by Mercedes as a potential addition for the upcoming season.
Red Bull have secured only two race victories this season, with McLaren emerging as the leading team.
The decline in Red Bull’s performance began midway through the previous season. Despite Verstappen’s fourth consecutive world title, he secured only two wins in the final 14 races.
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Verstappen has reportedly been unsettled by the internal conflicts within Red Bull, as he prefers a harmonious working environment.
His father, Jos Verstappen, has had a strained relationship with Horner. Jos cautioned that the team’s stability would be compromised if Horner remained in his position following the sexual harassment allegations.
Red Bull has also experienced the departure of two key senior personnel in the past 15 months.
Adrian Newey, widely regarded as one of the most influential designers in F1 history, resigned last year.
The allegations against Horner were a significant factor in Newey’s decision to leave, along with his dissatisfaction with the team’s environment, where he felt other members were attempting to claim credit for his innovations.
Horner allegedly downplayed Newey’s contributions in media briefings in an attempt to manage internal tensions.
Jonathan Wheatley, Red Bull’s long-time sporting director, departed at the end of last season and is now team principal at Sauber.
Head of strategy Will Courtenay has also resigned and is set to join McLaren as sporting director, although Horner has reportedly been enforcing his contractual obligations.
Jennie Gow, BBC F1 reporter
The dominant topic in the paddock, particularly last weekend, centered on Max Verstappen’s potential departure from Red Bull due to the situation involving Christian Horner and the team’s recent performance.
My phone has been inundated with messages from friends and individuals within the paddock, all suggesting the same thing: is this decision aimed at preventing Max from leaving Red Bull, or is it a consequence of his departure?
I’m uncertain. I attempted to question Max at Silverstone over the weekend, but he remained evasive, neither confirming nor denying that he was considering other options. He stopped short of committing his future to Red Bull.
Where does he go from here? He’s only won twice this season and wants to win another championship. He needs to make the right decision to be in the right car.