In a major shakeup within the Formula 1 paddock, Red Bull Racing has officially parted ways with long-serving team principal Christian Horner.
The decision, made jointly by Red Bull’s Austrian and Thai ownership groups, ends Horner’s 20-year tenure at the team he helped build into a modern F1 powerhouse.
Despite being contracted through to 2030, Horner will not see out the remainder of his deal.
The team’s leadership, including Mark Matschitz and Oliver Mintzlaff representing the Austrian contingent, and Chalerm Yoovidhya on behalf of the Thai ownership, reached a consensus earlier this week that a leadership change was necessary.
Red Bull’s staff are expected to be formally briefed on the development on Wednesday morning.
Horner has been a central figure at Red Bull Racing since the team entered Formula 1 in 2005, arriving from the Arden Formula 3000 squad. At just 31 years old, he became the youngest team principal in the sport at the time.
Under his stewardship, Red Bull clinched six Constructors’ Championships. He secured eight Drivers’ Championships, four with Sebastian Vettel and four (so far) with Max Verstappen.
However, persistent internal unrest throughout 2024 has put Horner’s position under increasing pressure. Reports and speculation have circulated for months suggesting that his role was under threat, with calls for his removal emerging from within the organisation itself.
The situation escalated to a point where leadership believed that stability could only be restored through his departure.
Horner’s exit follows the recent departures of other high-profile Red Bull figures, including Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey, Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley, and Technical Director Rob Marshall. While those transitions were mostly amicable or career-motivated, Horner’s departure comes amid a much more turbulent backdrop.
“Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday 9 July 2025) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing,” said a Red Bull spokesperson.
Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO Corporate Projects and Investments thanked Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.
“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.
“Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.” added Mintzlaff.
Taking over the reins at Red Bull Racing is Laurent Mekies, current team principal of sister outfit Racing Bulls. Mekies will step into the top job at the Milton Keynes-based team as it navigates one of its most significant transitional periods in recent memory.
“The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter [Bayer, Racing Bulls CEO],” commented Mekies.
“It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people. The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning.
In replacement of Mekies, current Racing Director Alan Permane will step up as Team Principal of Racing Bulls.
“Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path. He knows the team inside out and has always been an important pillar of our early successes.” said Mekies
Permane added: “I feel very honoured to take on the role as Team Principal and would like to thank Oliver and Helmut [Marko, Red Bull advisor] for the trust they have shown in me.
“I am looking forward to working with Peter to continue the good work that both him and Laurent have done in taking this team forward.
“This is a new challenge for me, but I know that I can count on the support of everyone within them.”
The departure of Horner marks the end of an era for Red Bull Racing. This team rose from midfield status to dominate the sport, in large part due to the leadership and vision Horner provided.
Header Image: Jörg Mitter via Red Bull Content Pool
