Overview
- Christian Horner was removed as Red Bull team principal in July 2025 and Laurent Mekies was promoted to lead the team.
- Max Verstappen said the team environment is “less stressful” under the new leadership and he has signed to remain with Red Bull through 2030.
- Red Bull’s published company accounts list Horner’s exit payment as £66.988 million while other filings and reports have shown a higher figure of about £100 million, creating a public dispute over the true total.
- Several outlets report that Horner is exploring a return to the paddock with links to Ferrari and suggestions he might seek an equity stake in any next team, but those plans remain unconfirmed.
- The switch in management has raised governance questions over executive pay and left observers watching how reduced internal tension could affect driver welfare, recruitment and Red Bull’s on‑track performance.