In a surprising turn of events, Christian Horner has been removed from his role as CEO and Team Principal of Red Bull Racing with immediate effect. Horner had led the team since it entered Formula 1 in 2005 and was expected to stay until 2030, but Red Bull has decided to make a sudden change.

He will be replaced by Laurent Mekies, who has been in charge at Red Bull’s sister team Racing Bulls. Mekies is now taking over Horner’s position at Red Bull Racing, while Alan Permane, previously Racing Director, has been promoted to Team Principal at Racing Bulls. He will work closely with team CEO Peter Bayer.

Under Hrner's leadership, Red Bull won eight Drivers’ Championships and six Constructors’ titles. However, Horner’s final year at Red Bull was marked by controversy. He was cleared earlier this year in an internal investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour, but the case reportedly deepened divisions within the company, especially between Horner and members of the Austrian side of Red Bull’s leadership, including individuals close to Verstappen’s camp.

A spokesperson for Red Bull Racing confirmed the news: “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 of Corporate Projects and Investments at Red Bull GmbH, issued a public statement: “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. Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”