Overview

• Red Bull GmbH confirmed on July 9, 2025 that Christian Horner is relieved of his operational duties and Laurent Mekies will take over as CEO of Red Bull Racing.
• Horner served as team principal since 2005, guiding Red Bull to eight drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles.
• His departure follows two exonerations in a 17-month-old misconduct investigation and a wave of senior departures, including Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley.
• On-track results have slipped this season with only two wins in 12 races and Max Verstappen trailing championship leaders.
• The leadership change intensifies speculation over Verstappen’s future and the team’s preparation for 2026 engine and technical rule changes.