Overview

• Christian Horner’s early contract exit was confirmed on July 9, and Racing Bulls chief Laurent Mekies immediately took over as Red Bull’s team principal.
• Red Bull cited a season-long performance downturn and lingering misconduct scrutiny, despite Horner’s 2024 internal exoneration, as its rationale for the abrupt change.
• The leadership overhaul is designed to reassure four-time world champion Max Verstappen and limit risks tied to his exit clause.
• Horner’s 20-year tenure delivered six constructors’ titles, eight drivers’ championships and 124 Grand Prix victories before his mid-season departure.
• Mekies now faces the tasks of stabilizing on-track results and driving preparations for sweeping 2026 Formula 1 technical regulations.