In a shocking announcement from Red Bull Racing on 9 July, Christian Horner has been removed from the position of Team Principal and CEO, marking a dramatic end to his career. Horner joined the team in 2005 and oversaw the rise of F1’s one of the most dominant forces, marking his career as the longest in F1 history. However, he was sacked by Red Bull, marking a new era for the team and fans alike.
This move raises significant questions about the reasons behind his exit and the future leadership of the team. So, who will replace Christian Horner as Team Principal at Red Bull Racing? Let’s find out, but first, let’s look at the possible reasons for Horner’s departure.
Why Was Christian Horner Sacked?
Red Bull has been the benchmark for F1 excellence. However, the 2025 season has proven to be a nightmare for the team, and they are currently training behind McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes in the Constructors’ championship. This nightmare-ish performance of Red Bull probably triggered Horner’s exit.
Moreover, there have been ongoing speculations of a potential Max Verstappen to Mercedes move, which further intensified the situation within the team. Reportedly, Max Verstappen and his team wanted less influence of Horner on team strategy and decisions, failing which he could switch to Mercedes at the end of this year.
Meanwhile, Christian Horner had been involved in a high-profile investigation for allegations of inappropriate behavior by a female colleague. Although he was cleared of the charges initially, this abrupt decision is being linked to his departure.
The final decision was reportedly taken after an emergency meeting between Red Bull’s owners, who decided that Horner’s departure would restore the team’s performance in F1 2025. So, who will now replace him? Let’s take a look.
Laurent Mekies To Replace Horner As Red Bull’s New Team Principal And CEO
Red Bull Racing has confirmed that Laurent Mekies will step up as the new team principal and CEO, effective immediately. He was previously the team principal of Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s sister team in F1. He brings with him a wealth of experience, having served as a race engineer and senior roles at Ferrari.
Laurent Mekies is also known for stabilizing Racing Bulls, transforming the team into a midfield contender. His immediate priorities will be stabilizing the team and retaining star talent, Max Verstappen, to restore the team’s competitive edge.
Also Read: Christian Horner Removed From Red Bull With Immediate Effect
