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Red Bull sacks Christian Horner as principal

Red Bull sacks Christian Horner as principal

Christian Horner dismissed as Red Bull Racing team principal. Laurent Mekies takes over amid speculation surrounding Horner’s departure, following an internal scandal earlier this year. Red Bull’s recent performance issues may have influenced the decision.

In a major development for Formula 1, Christian Horner has been dismissed as team principal of Red Bull Racing, concluding a 19-year tenure that included six constructors’ championships and eight drivers’ titles. The announcement came on Wednesday morning through a brief Red Bull statement expressing gratitude for Horner’s “exceptional work” and confirming Laurent Mekies as his immediate successor. Mekies previously served as team principal at sister team Racing Bulls.

Although no specific reason was given for Horner’s sudden departure, speculation will likely centre on the internal scandal that affected the team earlier this year. Horner, 51, faced allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” from a female Red Bull employee, with leaked messages capturing media attention. An independent investigation cleared him of any wrongdoing, and an appeal was dismissed, yet the incident overshadowed Red Bull’s early 2025 campaign.

Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff stated: “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 One. Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”

Horner’s wife, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, publicly supported him during the controversy, attending the Bahrain Grand Prix to quell media speculation. However, Red Bull’s recent performance issues—highlighted by Max Verstappen’s victory in only two of the first 12 races this season—may have exerted additional pressure behind the scenes.

The team’s disappointing result at the British Grand Prix, where Verstappen finished fifth, marks Horner’s last race in charge—a subdued conclusion to a career that elevated Red Bull from mid-field entrants to Formula 1 giants.

Laurent Mekies now faces the task of stabilising a team amid internal unrest and an increasingly competitive grid. His appointment raises questions about stability within Red Bull, potentially affecting Verstappen’s long-term future and the team’s broader leadership framework.

Further details are anticipated in the coming days as the Formula 1 community processes one of the sport’s most significant leadership changes in recent memory.

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BQ

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