Red Bull sacks Horner

Red Bull Shocks F1 Christian Horner Sacked After 20 Years

In a seismic development within Formula 1, Red Bull Racing has officially parted ways with its long time team principal, Christian Horner. After two decades of unprecedented success, Horner’s exit marks the end of a dominant era for one of the sport's most iconic teams. The decision, reportedly made amid internal tension and growing pressure from both within and outside the organization, has stunned fans and insiders alike.

Horner, who took the reins of Red Bull Racing in 2005 at just 31 years old, was instrumental in transforming the energy drink brand’s F1 ambitions into a global powerhouse. Under his leadership, the team claimed multiple constructors’ and drivers’ championships, first with Sebastian Vettel in the early 2010s and more recently with Max Verstappen. However, recent controversies and the team's faltering form have cast a shadow over that legacy.

While the official statement from Red Bull praised Horner’s “unmatched contributions to the team’s legacy,” the timing of the dismissal suggests deeper issues. Sources close to the team cite internal disputes, especially involving senior figures like Helmut Marko and Jos Verstappen, as contributing factors. Reports also highlight the departure of key personnel such as Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley as symptoms of an unstable leadership structure under Horner.

This season, Red Bull has faced stiffer competition than expected, slipping behind rivals in both strategic execution and on track performance. With Verstappen’s future increasingly uncertain and Mercedes rumored to be courting him, Red Bull’s management may have decided that a leadership overhaul was essential to reset the team’s trajectory before the 2026 regulation changes.

Replacing Horner is Laurent Mekies, who brings experience from Toro Rosso, Ferrari, and FIA. His appointment signals a shift toward a more technically oriented management structure, which the team hopes will stabilize performance and re align internal dynamics. Mekies inherits a squad that is still competitive but under pressure to maintain its elite status.

Horner’s future remains unclear. Though currently without a role in the sport, few believe he will remain sidelined for long. As one of the most recognizable figures in modern Formula 1, his expertise and leadership style are likely to attract new opportunities possibly even outside the paddock.

For Red Bull Racing, this marks both an end and a new beginning. The team now faces a defining challenge rebuild unity, retain its star driver, and re establish its dominance in an increasingly competitive F1 landscape. Horner’s sacking may be a dramatic chapter, but the road ahead could prove even more telling.