Oracle Red Bull Racing has parted ways with Christian Horner, appointing Laurent Mekies as his replacement
Christian Horner has been dismissed from his role as Team Principal and CEO of Oracle Red Bull Racing after two decades at the helm.
Horner’s long-term contract, originally set to run until 2030, was terminated.Laurent Mekies was installed as CEO with immediate effect. In an official statement on July 9, Red Bull GmbH confirmed the decision, as reported by Racing News.
Red Bull Managing Director Oliver Mintzlaff stated: “Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing.”
“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 1.
“Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”
Internal pressure and disappointing results
Red Bull’s sluggish start to the 2025 season and a bad weekend at Silverstone appeared to accelerate Horner’s exit. However, speculation about his departure has circled for some time.
Reports have pointed to deepening fractures within the team. Tensions between Horner and Max Verstappen’s camp have reportedly grown over the past year, with senior figures such as Helmut Marko, who holds an advisory role, also involved in the internal rift.
While Horner was cleared of misconduct following a high-profile investigation in 2024, the episode left a visible mark on team dynamics.
Additionally, Verstappen is pursuing a fourth consecutive title and the high-stakes Ford power-unit partnership on the horizon for 2026, suggesting Red Bull’s leadership appears to have prioritised stability.
An impressive 20-year tenure
In January 2005, aged 31, Horner was appointed Team Principal of the newly formed Red Bull Racing. Four years later, he steered the team to its first Grand Prix victory in China, kicking off one of F1’s most dominant eras.
Between 2010 and 2013, Red Bull secured four straight Constructors’ and Drivers’ titles, powered by Sebastian Vettel. This streak earned Horner plaudits across the paddock and official recognition in the UK, including an OBE.
After a post-2014 decline prompted by engine struggles and the arrival of hybrid power units, Horner oversaw a long rebuild. A new partnership with Honda in 2019 laid the groundwork for Verstappen’s 2021 title win, Red Bull’s first in eight years.
Since then, the team has been a dominant contender on the track. Verstappen claimed three more Drivers’ Championships, and Red Bull produced one of the most one-sided seasons in F1 history in 2023, winning 21 of 22 races. Horner capped that year with a CBE in the King’s New Year Honours list.
Off track, he expanded Red Bull Racing’s footprint, which included launching Red Bull Advanced Technologies and creating an in-house engine division, which is set to partner with Ford from 2026.
Who is Laurent Mekies?
Mekies, who replaces Horner as CEO of Red Bull Racing, brings two decades of motorsport experience.
Since 2024, Mekies has been leading Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls. In this role, he oversaw the outfit through its early development as Team Principal. His work at Faenza won praise for building structure, promoting young talent and establishing a competitive baseline.
Before that, Mekies spent several years at Ferrari, where he served as Racing Director. He was responsible for race operations and strategy, contributing to multiple Constructors’ title challenges during his tenure.
