Christian Horner has been sacked from his role as Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, ending a near two-decade spell in charge of the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
The 51-year-old, who had led the team since its entry into Formula One in 2005, departs as the longest-serving team boss in the sport’s current era.
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His exit comes a year after allegations of controlling behaviour were made against him by a female colleague—claims Horner has always denied.
In a statement, Red Bull confirmed his departure and announced that Laurent Mekies has been appointed as the new 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.
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“Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”
Although the company stopped short of publicly using the term “dismissed”, sources close to the matter have confirmed Horner was relieved of his duties, with the move understood to be final.
Under Horner’s leadership, Red Bull achieved 8 Drivers’ World Championships, 6 Constructors’ Championships, 124 Grand Prix victories, 107 pole positions and 287 podium finishes.
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However, the final 18 months of his tenure were overshadowed by off-track controversy. The internal investigation into the 2024 allegations concluded with the case being dismissed, but tensions behind the scenes appeared to persist. Horner, who is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, has not yet made a public comment following his removal.
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