Christian Horner sacked as Red Bull team principal

Christian Horner, pictured at Silverstone, has been sacked by Red Bull (Bradley Collyer/PA)

Christian Horner has been sacked as Red Bull team principal.

Horner’s dismissal comes 17 months after he was accused by a female colleague of “inappropriate behaviour”. Horner was twice exonerated of the claims by the Formula One team’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH.

But on Wednesday a statement from Red Bull GmbH read: “Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday 9 July 2025) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing.”

Horner, 51, had been team principal at Red Bull since 2005, overseeing eight drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles.

Max Verstappen (right) celebrates alongside Horner after winning his first world title in December 2021 (PA)

However, Red Bull’s form has slumped with four-time world champion Max Verstappen having won only two of the 12 races staged this season.

Verstappen finished fifth in Sunday’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone – a race which would turn out to be Horner’s last in charge.

Red Bull Group chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff said: “We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.

“With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula One.

“Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”