Christian Horner FIRED After 20 Years at Red Bull – Here’s What Really Happened
Christian Horner, the longtime Team Principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing, has officially been sacked. The bombshell move was confirmed today, marking the end of a two-decade legacy that transformed Red Bull into one of the most dominant teams in Formula 1 history.
During his 20-year tenure, Horner led Red Bull to six Constructors’ Championships, eight Drivers’ Championships, and 124 Grand Prix wins. But 2025 has been a turbulent year for the team — both on and off the track — and the leadership has finally reached its breaking point.
What Caused His Exit?
While Horner was cleared earlier this year in an internal misconduct investigation, the controversy cast a long shadow. The season’s poor performance, combined with internal power struggles and mounting tension involving Max Verstappen’s camp, added pressure.
Sources say Jos Verstappen (Max’s father) played a behind-the-scenes role in the shake-up. Horner’s relationship with the Verstappen family has been strained ever since the scandal broke.
Red Bull has already named Laurent Mekies — previously of the Racing Bulls outfit — as the new Team Principal. Mekies is seen as a more neutral figure with technical expertise and less political baggage.
Emotional Goodbye
Horner reportedly delivered a heartfelt farewell speech to staff at Red Bull’s headquarters in Milton Keynes earlier today. While the decision came as a shock to many inside the team, insiders claim it had been brewing for weeks.
What Happens to Max Verstappen?
With Horner gone, all eyes are now on Max Verstappen. Rumors are swirling that he could explore a move — possibly to Mercedes — especially if the team dynamic shifts under new leadership. For now, his future remains uncertain, but his camp is reportedly “re-evaluating everything.”
