Overview

• Horner was informed of his removal in London the Tuesday after Silverstone, where he received official thanks for two decades as team principal and eight drivers’ titles.
• Laurent Mekies has assumed the team principal role and orchestrated a Spa-Francorchamps sprint win in his debut race weekend through a low-downforce strategy.
• Max Verstappen has sent Horner private messages of support since his departure and has publicly denied any involvement in the decision to remove him.
• Jos Verstappen has distanced himself from management speculation and dismissed suggestions that his family influenced Red Bull’s leadership overhaul.
• Insiders cite post-Mateschitz succession disputes and Horner’s opposition to a Porsche partnership as underlying factors in the broader governance shake-up at Red Bull.