Red Bull abruptly fired longtime team principal Christian Horner on Wednesday, ending a 20-year tenure that included eight Formula 1 drivers’ titles but also the recent turmoil that rocked the organization on and off the track.
Red Bull did not give a reason for the decision in a release announcing the move, but it thanked Horner for his work and said he will “forever remain an important part of our team history.”
Laurent Mekies of sister team Racing Bulls will replace Horner in his role as principal and chief executive of the top-line Red Bull team.
“From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!” four-time reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen, a 27-year-old Dutchman in his 10th season driving for the organization’s top team, posted on social media.
Horner, who had been Red Bull’s team principal since it entered F1 as a full constructor in 2005, performed his team and media duties as normal last weekend at England’s Silverstone Circuit throughout the British Grand Prix, the 12th of 24 races on the 2025 schedule for the international open-wheel series.