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4d ago

Red Bull Racing Replaces Christian Horner with Laurent Mekies

Red Bull declined to explain Horner’s sudden departure, leaving the new principal with the challenge of maintaining the team’s title defense.

Scuderia Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur and Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner arrive in the paddock together during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 26, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico.
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Christian Horner, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 30, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.
Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talks with Bernie Ecclestone, Chairman Emeritus of the Formula One Group, and Red Bull Racing Team Consultant Dr Helmut Marko before the Formula One Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 11, 2018 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Overview

  • Christian Horner was stripped of his team principal and CEO roles after 20 years, with Laurent Mekies named his immediate successor.
  • Red Bull has not disclosed why it parted ways with Horner, prompting criticism over the timing and transparency of the decision.
  • The loss of senior personnel including Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley since mid-2024 has coincided with a downturn in car performance and raised concerns about organizational stability.
  • Former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone and others have publicly faulted Horner’s management style and his handling of recent team departures.
  • Johnny Herbert has speculated that Max Verstappen could end up at Mercedes given ongoing uncertainty at Red Bull.