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Red Bull Appoints Mekies After Horner Dismissal as Verstappen’s Future Uncertain

The leadership switch follows faltering car performance, fueling speculation over Verstappen’s clause-laden exit options.

Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team in parc ferme during Sprint qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 02, 2025 in Miami, Florida.
Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talks with Jeremy Clarkson on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 02, 2024 in Bahrain, Bahrain.
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Overview

  • Red Bull dismissed Christian Horner on July 9 and promoted Laurent Mekies to CEO and team principal in an effort to stabilize leadership.
  • The RB21 has struggled this season, leaving Max Verstappen 69 points behind the championship leader.
  • Verstappen’s contract includes performance-based clauses that would allow him to exit if results don’t improve, prompting confirmed talks with Mercedes.
  • Former racer Gerhard Berger theorizes that Horner’s departure was intended to protect Verstappen’s services during internal power struggles.
  • With sweeping technical regulation changes on the horizon for 2026, Mekies must deliver rapid performance gains to retain Red Bull’s championship-leading driver.