Christian Horner Fired as Red Bull Racing CEO and Team Principal After 20-Year Reign
Red Bull Racing has officially parted ways with CEO and team principal Christian Horner, ending a historic 20-year tenure marked by championship dominance and growing controversy. The team made the announcement Wednesday, citing organizational changes amid mounting challenges on and off the track.
Horner, 51, led Red Bull Racing since its Formula 1 debut in 2005. Under his leadership, the team secured 124 Grand Prix victories, 207 pole positions, 287 podium finishes, eight Drivers’ Championships, and six Constructors’ Championships — the latest coming in 2023. His strategic vision turned Red Bull into a powerhouse of modern F1.
“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” said Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments. “His commitment, expertise, and innovative thinking helped make Red Bull Racing one of the most successful and iconic teams in Formula 1 history.”
Horner, married to former Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell, gained even greater fame through the Netflix docuseries Drive to Survive, becoming a central and often polarizing figure in global motorsport.
His exit comes amid a turbulent season for Red Bull. The team currently ranks fourth in the 2025 Constructors’ Standings, and uncertainty swirls around star driver Max Verstappen’s future. Tensions had been rising internally, fueled by lingering fallout from sexual misconduct allegations made by a team employee before the 2024 season. Though Horner denied the claims and Red Bull cleared him after two investigations, the controversy cast a shadow over his leadership.
Horner also dismissed rumors linking him to Ferrari, reaffirming his loyalty to Red Bull just last month during the Spanish Grand Prix. “My commitment is 100 percent with Red Bull,” he said at the time.
Replacing Horner will be Laurent Mekies, current head of sister team Racing Bulls. Alan Permane, Racing Bulls’ racing director, will step up as team principal there.
“It’s been an incredible journey building Racing Bulls,” said Mekies. “This is just the beginning. Alan is the perfect person to continue our vision.”
Commentators say Horner’s exit may have been inevitable. “He was a brilliant strategist and brand builder, but also a polarizing personality,” said motorsports analyst Matt Lofgren. “Given Red Bull’s current struggles and Horner’s controversies, this move feels less shocking in hindsight — though the timing certainly raises eyebrows.”
