After two decades, Christian Horner leaves the management of Red Bull Racing, a team he led to glory on several occasions since joining in 2005. The energy drink team decided to dismiss him immediately due to poor results in the last GPs.
Horner held the record as the longest-serving team principal on the grid. Although there had been rumors about his departure since last year, the confirmation came at a completely unexpected moment, as it happened during a two-week break without Grands Prix and with Red Bull relegated to fourth place in the Constructors' Standings.
This departure adds to those of other key figures such as his technical director, Adrian Newey, and his sporting director, Jonathan Wheatley, both historic within the organization.
After winning two constructors' championships and three consecutive drivers' titles alongside Max Verstappen, the 2024 season proved especially difficult for Horner, marked by the scandal of alleged misconduct with an employee, which led Red Bull to launch an internal investigation. The Briton withstood the pressure, even from Jos Verstappen, Max's father, who called for his dismissal, and ultimately Red Bull acquitted him.
The situation partially calmed when Verstappen was crowned four-time champion, although McLaren ended up taking the constructors' title thanks to a stronger development of its car, something that continued in 2025. Still, the Dutchman's talent allowed Red Bull to achieve poles and victories despite the superiority of the British team.
