Red Bull fired Christian Horner after two decades as their Formula 1 team leader. The racing giant confirmed his departure on Wednesday following growing problems behind the scenes. Horner had run the team since 2005 and helped them win multiple championships. Team insiders say tensions reached breaking point over recent months. The decision marks the end of one of F1's longest leadership runs.
Company sources reveal serious meetings happened during the Austrian and British Grand Prix weekends. Max Verstappen joined talks with Oliver Mintzlaff, a senior Red Bull executive who wanted leadership changes. The team has struggled on track this season compared to their recent dominance. Verstappen has complained publicly about car problems and his future remains unclear. Mercedes are watching his contract situation closely.
Horner survived a sexual misconduct investigation last year from complaints by a former employee. That scandal deepened political fights within Red Bull after founder Dietrich Mateschitz died in 2022. Horner also had public arguments with Jos Verstappen, Max's father who supports team advisor Helmut Marko. Star designer Adrian Newey recently left for rival team Aston Martin. These departures weakened Horner's position at the company.
Laurent Mekies moves up from Racing Bulls to become Red Bull's new CEO. Horner led the team to eight driver titles and six constructor championships during his time. Red Bull won all 124 of their race victories under his guidance. Oliver Mintzlaff thanked Horner for his exceptional work and commitment to making Red Bull successful. The team said Horner would always remain part of their racing history.
Company sources reveal serious meetings happened during the Austrian and British Grand Prix weekends. Max Verstappen joined talks with Oliver Mintzlaff, a senior Red Bull executive who wanted leadership changes. The team has struggled on track this season compared to their recent dominance. Verstappen has complained publicly about car problems and his future remains unclear. Mercedes are watching his contract situation closely.
Horner survived a sexual misconduct investigation last year from complaints by a former employee. That scandal deepened political fights within Red Bull after founder Dietrich Mateschitz died in 2022. Horner also had public arguments with Jos Verstappen, Max's father who supports team advisor Helmut Marko. Star designer Adrian Newey recently left for rival team Aston Martin. These departures weakened Horner's position at the company.
Laurent Mekies moves up from Racing Bulls to become Red Bull's new CEO. Horner led the team to eight driver titles and six constructor championships during his time. Red Bull won all 124 of their race victories under his guidance. Oliver Mintzlaff thanked Horner for his exceptional work and commitment to making Red Bull successful. The team said Horner would always remain part of their racing history.
