After spending 20 years for the Formula One Red Bull Racing team, Christian Horner was fired as team principal and chief executive …abruptly. While no specific reason was given for the dismissal, Red Bull’s chief executive for corporate projects and investments Oliver Mintzlaff issued a statement saying, “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.”
However, the Red Bull drivers have not dominated the circuit this season; McLaren has taken that spot. Verstappen is currently ranked third in the standings.
While at Red Bull, Horner has been a part of eight driver’s titles – four for Sebastian Vettel and four for Verstappen — and six constructors’ titles since coming to Red Bull in 2005 – the youngest ever F1 executive at 32. He is married to Ginger Spice – Geri Halliwell.
Laurent Mekies of Racing Bulls has been named as Horner’s replacement.
F1 champion Max Verstappen posted on social media saying, “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!”
Horner posted on social media saying, “after an incredible journey of 20 years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the team I have absolutely loved. It’s been an honor to be part of this incredible era of motorsport. I leave with immense pride in what we’ve achieved and also with what’s in the pipeline for 2026 — and huge respect for everyone who’s made F1 the pinnacle it is today.”
Horner is the latest high-profile person at Red Bull to leave the team over the past several months. Car designer Adrian Newey has moved to Aston Martin, sporting director Jonathan Wheatley moved to Sauber (Audi Works), and Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz died in 2022.
While Max Verstappen has remained as principal driver at Red Bull, Sergio Perez left at the end of last season, Liam Lawson left after a short time, and has been replaced by Yuki Tsunoda.
Last year, Horner was accused of misconduct toward a Red Bull employee, but the allegation was dismissed after an investigation.