Horner fired by Red Bull, Mekies in as CEO

Red Bull has fired long-time CEO and team principal Christian Horner with immediate effect.

Horner has been in charge at Red Bull for the past 20 years, ever since it entered the sport as a new constructor back in 2005. However, a Red Bull spokesperson confirmed to RACER that “Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday, July 9, 2025).”

Red Bull has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing, with the Racing Bulls team principal being replaced in his previous role by Alan Permane.

Horner faced off-track investigations into his behavior towards an employee last year, and on-track the team has slipped from competitiveness over the past 18 months. Despite Max Verstappen winning last year’s drivers’ championship, the team finished third in the 2024 constructors’ standings and is currently fourth behind McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes, while Verstappen is also 69 points adrift of Oscar Piastri in this year’s title fight.

There have also been a number of high-profile departures in the form of Adrian Newey to Aston Martin and former sporting director Jonathan Wheatley to Sauber as team principal.

The decision to remove Horner brings to an end the longest reign of a currently serving team principal, with Red Bull having won eight drivers’ championships, six constructors’ titles, and 124 races in his time in charge.

"We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull CEO of corporate projects and investments, 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.”

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Horner’s departure comes at a time when there has been significant speculation over the future of Verstappen, who has been linked with a move to Mercedes as early as 2026. The Dutchman has performance-based clauses in his contract that could allow him to move prior to the end of his current deal that runs until 2028, and Mercedes is believed to be well-placed when it comes to the development of next year’s power unit regulations.

Mekies is promoted from Racing Bulls having been team principal during his second spell there since early 2024, joining from Ferrari where he was deputy team principal and racing director. Prior to that he worked at the FIA, rising to become deputy race director, and had started his F1 career at Arrows in 2001, going on to join Minardi before its takeover and rebranding as Toro Rosso.