La Derecha Diario Bombshell in Formula 1: Red Bull fires Christian Horner after 20 years with the team
The decision was made due to the recent poor results, and his position will be filled by Laurent Mekies, who is being promoted from Racing Bulls
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 placein 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.
Meanwhile, Verstappen also faces an uncertain future, despite having a contract until 2028, due to interest from Mercedes and the alleged release clauses that could be triggered at the end of the month.
Beyond this, for now Laurent Mekies will replace Horner at Red Bull Racing, while Alan Permane, until now sporting director of Racing Bulls, will take over from Mekies in the second team alongside CEO Peter Bayer.
Farewell to Horner
"We want to thank Christian Horner for his outstanding work over the past 20 years," said Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments. "With his tireless commitment, experience, knowledge, and innovative thinking, he has been essential in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1. Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will always be an important part of our team's history."
It is worth noting that, during the Horner era, Red Bull won eight drivers' titles, four with Sebastian Vettel and four with Verstappen, in addition to six constructors' championships.
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