Red Bull Ends an Era: Christian Horner Sacked After 20 Years
Under his leadership, Red Bull transformed into a Formula 1 powerhouse, winning eight drivers’ championships with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, and six constructors’ titles. His departure, announced on July 9, 2025, ends a remarkable 20-year run marked by innovation, dominance, and intense rivalries.
Decline on Track & Leadership Shift
This season, Red Bull has fallen behind competitors like McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari, now sitting in fourth place in the constructors’ standings. Max Verstappen, once dominant, is currently fifth in the drivers’ standings. These losses contributed to the decision to part ways with Horner amid mounting instability.
Internal Pressures & Controversies
Though Horner was cleared twice in 2024 over allegations of inappropriate behavior, the controversies continued to haunt the team. Rumors of disagreements with Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, added to the strain. Reports suggested a power struggle between Red Bull’s Austrian and Thai stakeholders, with Horner losing support from crucial decision-makers. These internal divisions played a significant role in the leadership change.
Succession Plan
Laurent Mekies, formerly in charge of Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls, has been promoted to the main team’s CEO and team principal. Mekies brings years of experience from working with the FIA, Toro Rosso, and Ferrari. Alan Permane is now leading Racing Bulls in Mekies’ place. The management overhaul is seen as a step toward restoring focus and competitiveness in the second half of the 2025 season.
A Legacy of Success
Horner joined Red Bull at just 31 years old, becoming the youngest team principal in Formula 1. His achievements include guiding the team to four consecutive double championships from 2010 to 2013 with Vettel, and later another dominant streak with Verstappen from 2021 to 2024. The 2023 season, with 21 wins in 22 races, was a pinnacle of performance under his leadership. His legacy as one of the most successful team principals in F1 history is secure despite the controversial ending.
What’s Next for Red Bull
Red Bull now faces the critical task of stabilizing the team and retaining its top driver, Max Verstappen. The appointment of Mekies signals a focus on engineering expertise and long-term strategy, especially with major 2026 regulation changes approaching. The upcoming races will test the new leadership’s ability to respond under pressure and rebuild team morale.
Christian Horner’s departure is more than a personnel change—it is the end of a dominant chapter in F1. Whether Red Bull can regroup and reclaim its former glory under Mekies remains to be seen. Fans and rivals alike will be watching closely.
