Horner’s Tearful Goodbye
Christian Horner, 51, was sacked as Red Bull Racing’s team principal and CEO on July 8, 2025, ending a 20-year tenure that began with the team’s F1 debut in 2005. On July 9, he addressed 1,500 staff at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes headquarters, breaking down in tears during a 10 a.m. speech, parts of which were captured by Sky Sports News. “The decision came as a shock,” Horner said. “I walked into a team 20 years ago with no idea what to expect, but we built a powerhouse. Being part of this team has been the biggest privilege of my life.” Staff, both in-person and via video call, gave him a standing ovation.skysports.com
In an Instagram post, Horner added, “After an incredible journey of 20 years, it’s with a heavy heart I say goodbye. I’m proud of our collective accomplishments and what’s in the pipeline for 2026.” He left the campus by 11:30 a.m., as Red Bull GmbH announced his replacement, Laurent Mekies, formerly of sister team Racing Bulls, as the new CEO and team principal. Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s CEO of Corporate Projects, praised Horner’s “exceptional work” in securing 8 drivers’ and 6 constructors’ [email protected]
Reasons for Departure
Horner’s exit follows a turbulent 18 months, marked by a 2024 scandal involving allegations of inappropriate behavior by a female employee, which he was cleared of twice. The controversy strained relations with key figures, including Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, who warned in Bahrain 2024 that Red Bull would “explode” under Horner. The team’s performance slumped, with only 4 wins in the last 26 races (2 in 2025), leaving Red Bull fourth in the constructors’ standings, 288 points behind McLaren. Verstappen, third in the drivers’ championship, trails Oscar Piastri by 69 points.independent.co.ukskysports.com
Key departures exacerbated the decline: Adrian Newey (to Aston Martin), Jonathan Wheatley (to Sauber/Audi), and Will Courtenay (to McLaren) left in 2024, weakening Red Bull’s technical core. Horner’s decision to extend Sergio Perez’s contract to 2026, then replace him with Liam Lawson (dropped after 2 races for Yuki Tsunoda), drew criticism for poor driver management. Verstappen’s frustration with the RB21 car’s handling (1.8 xGA per race) and uncertainty about his 2028 contract, amid Mercedes’ interest, added pressure.bbc.comespn.com
Horner’s Legacy
Under Horner, Red Bull transformed from Jaguar’s ashes into an F1 juggernaut, winning 124 Grands Prix, 8 drivers’ titles (Vettel 2010-13, Verstappen 2021-24), and 6 constructors’ titles (2010-13, 2022-23). His recruitment of Newey in 2006 and bold driver choices, like Verstappen’s debut at 17, defined his era. Martin Brundle called Horner’s tenure “incredible,” despite recent “unhappy” team dynamics. Fans on X praised his legacy but noted internal rifts, with Jos Verstappen and Helmut Marko aligning against [email protected]
What’s Next
Laurent Mekies, 48, takes over from the Belgian Grand Prix (July 25-27), with Alan Permane promoted to Racing Bulls’ team principal. Mekies, a former Ferrari racing director, faces the challenge of reviving Red Bull’s form amid 2026 engine regulation changes, with their Ford-backed power unit reportedly lagging. Verstappen, who thanked Horner on Instagram for “four world championships,” may stay if performance improves, but Mercedes’ Toto Wolff continues talks. Red Bull’s pre-season testing in Bahrain (February 2026) will test Mekies’ leadership, while Horner’s next move—potentially to Ferrari or a non-F1 role—remains unclear.
