Christian Horner has officially been removed as team principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing after two decades with the Formula 1 team. Laurent Mekies, formerly of Racing Bulls, has taken over as CEO, while Alan Permane steps into Mekies’ previous role as team principal.
The decision came as a surprise to many inside the team, with staff informed early this morning. Red Bull issued a formal statement thanking Horner for his leadership, noting his role in securing eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles during his time at the helm.
No official reason has been shared for the decision, though it follows a turbulent period for the team. Horner was previously accused of inappropriate behavior by a colleague, though he was cleared by an internal investigation. At the same time, Red Bull’s performance has declined sharply since dominating in 2023.
Star designer Adrian Newey’s recent departure and ongoing rumors about Max Verstappen’s future have also added uncertainty. Verstappen remains under contract but is reportedly in discussions with rival teams.
Despite recent wins, Red Bull’s current car has proven difficult to handle, and the second seat continues to underperform. The leadership shake-up signals a major shift in direction for the once-dominant F1 team.
