After 20 remarkable years at the helm of Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner has been relieved of his duties as team principal, the team announced on Wednesday. The unexpected departure marks the end of an era that saw Horner steer the team to numerous victories and eight Formula One drivers’ championships.
In a statement, Red Bull thanked Horner for his immense contributions, stating he will “forever remain an important part of our team history.” Laurent Mekies, formerly of sister team Racing Bulls, is set to take over as team principal and chief executive.
Max Verstappen, the current F1 champion driving for Red Bull, took to social media to express his gratitude: “From my first race win to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!”
Horner’s journey with Red Bull began in 2005 when the team entered Formula One as a full constructor. Under his leadership, Red Bull clinched eight drivers’ titles—four with Sebastian Vettel and four with Verstappen—and six constructors’ championships.
Beyond the racetrack, Horner became a well-known figure through his appearances on Netflix’s “Drive To Survive”, where his intense rivalry with Mercedes’ Toto Wolff captivated fans worldwide. His celebrity status was further heightened by his marriage to Geri Halliwell, famously known as Ginger Spice from the Spice Girls.
This season, however, has presented challenges. McLaren has dominated Formula One, while Red Bull’s performance has waned, currently placing fourth in the team standings. Verstappen remains third in the drivers’ standings despite the team’s struggles.
Horner’s exit is the latest in a series of significant changes within Red Bull. Design genius Adrian Newey moved to Aston Martin, and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley departed for Sauber, set to become the Audi works team. These shifts followed the 2022 passing of Dietrich Mateschitz, Red Bull’s billionaire co-founder who was instrumental in launching the F1 team.
Red Bull has also undergone driver changes, parting ways with Sergio Perez at the end of last season. A brief stint with Liam Lawson as Verstappen’s teammate didn’t yield the desired results, leading to Yuki Tsunoda joining the team. Tsunoda has yet to score points in his five races with Red Bull.
Sky Sports News aired footage of Horner addressing staff at the team’s Milton Keynes headquarters in England, where he described his dismissal as a “shock” and appeared emotional as he spoke.
As Red Bull enters a new chapter, fans and the racing community alike are watching closely to see how the team adapts and strives to reclaim its position at the pinnacle of Formula One.
