🚨 Christian Horner Sacked by Red Bull After 20 Years – What Happened?

Date: July 9, 2025

In a move that sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world, Christian Horner has been officially dismissed from his role as Team Principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing after two decades at the helm. Horner, who took over in 2005, was the longest-serving team boss in the sport.

💬 A Tearful Goodbye

Horner reportedly gave an emotional farewell speech to Red Bull staff, saying he was “shocked” by the decision and that the job had been “the greatest privilege of my life.” Drivers and team members paid tribute, including Max Verstappen who posted:

“From my first race win to four world championships — we’ve shared incredible success. Thank you for everything, Christian!”

🔍 Why Was He Sacked?

Several factors seem to have led to Horner’s departure:

• Performance Drop: Red Bull has struggled in the 2025 season, losing its dominant edge to McLaren and falling 288 points behind in the Constructors’ Championship.

• Internal Departures: Key figures like Adrian Newey, Rob Marshall, and Jonathan Wheatley have exited the team, destabilizing the structure.

• Controversy Fallout: Allegations of misconduct from early 2024 — despite being cleared by internal investigations — reportedly eroded trust at the leadership level.

According to sources, the team’s board lost confidence in Horner’s ability to lead them into the new 2026 regulations era.

🔁 Laurent Mekies Steps In

Red Bull has appointed Laurent Mekies, formerly of their sister team Racing Bulls, to take over the operational leadership of the main team.
Horner will reportedly stay with the team in a transitional advisory role until the end of 2025.

🏎️ 2026 Is Looming – Why Timing Matters

The team is approaching a crucial turning point:

• Major rule changes for engines and chassis will hit in 2026.

• Red Bull Powertrains is preparing to debut its own engine — making this an incredibly sensitive time to change leadership.

Insiders suggest Horner’s lack of technical ties to the new engine project factored into the decision.

🧩 Verstappen’s Future Now in Doubt?

Horner hinted that Max Verstappen’s future may depend on the team's performance.
There’s a release clause in his contract allowing him to leave if the team is outside the top three mid-season. Mercedes is rumored to be watching closely — and Verstappen’s exit could trigger a major reshuffle across the grid.

Adding fuel to the fire, Horner recently joked that Oscar Piastri (McLaren) would be the “ideal Verstappen replacement” — while sitting next to McLaren CEO Zak Brown, raising eyebrows.

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🏁 End of an Era – What’s Next?

Christian Horner leaves behind an incredible legacy:

• 6 Constructors’ Championships

• 8 Drivers’ Championships (including 4 with Max Verstappen and 4 with Sebastian Vettel)

His exit marks the end of one of the most successful tenures in F1 history. Whether Red Bull can maintain its elite status under Mekies — and hold onto Verstappen — remains the biggest storyline heading into 2026.