The Formula 1 world was stunned today as Red Bull Racing announced it had parted ways with long-time Team Principal Christian Horner.
Horner, 51, had been with Red Bull since the very beginning in 2005 and held the role of Team Principal and CEO prior to being relieved of his duties.
During his 20-year tenure in charge of the team, Horner had overseen an impressive eight World Drivers' titles, won by Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, as well as six World Constructors' titles, while working with five different race winners for the main team, with Pierre Gasly also claiming his sole career victory whilst driving for then-named sister team AlphaTauri.
The move comes after results with the team had declined since the record-breaking 2023 season, on which a personal scandal grabbed headlines early last year and, more recently, star driver Max Verstappen began contemplating a future away from the team.
A team statement said: "Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday 9 July 2025) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing."
Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO Corporate Projects and Investments at Red Bull, also commented: "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 1."
He concluded: "Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history."
Mekies takes over as CEO of Red Bull Racing after originally joining Racing Bulls as Team Principal at the start of the 2024 season, having previously held the role as Chief Engineer with Red Bull's sister team between 2005 and 2014, before moving to Ferrari.
Racing Bulls have looked impressive at times this season, with arguably a far more tame and manageable car compared to its sister team, with rookie Isack Hadjar particularly impressing with a number of points finishes.
Mekies said: "The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter [Bayer, Racing Bulls CEO]."
"It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people. The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning."
He added: "Alan [Permane] is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path. He knows the team inside out and has always been an important pillar of our early successes."
The change in leadership will undoubtedly raise questions over the team's future direction, including the intentions of four-time World Champion Max Verstappen, who has recently been linked with a possible move to Mercedes.
The team does not have another race until the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps in a week-and-a-half, allowing time for Mekies to settle into his new role and potentially meet with Verstappen with this in mind.
