Christian Horner: Sacked after 20 years

BREAKING NEWS, this morning, from Milton Keynes as long-term team principle Christian Horner is released from his operational duties with effect from today, as is the official statement from the team. It comes amidst rumours that Max Verstappen was set to initiate a performance clause in his contract with growing dissatisfaction at the team.

Horner took the team over in 2005 from Jaguar and rebranded to the Austrian/Thai drinks company. He has led the team to six Constructors' and eight Drivers' championships, including Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, the youngest multiple world champions in the history of the sport. Max currently sits third in the standings behind the McLaren duo, while Red Bull are fourth behind their rivals, nearly 50 points behind Mercedes.

Horner is an old-school team principle, running the operation from the top of the pyramid, and it has long been thought that Max and his team have been calling for a more modern structure at the top. Laurent Mekies is set to replace Horner as CEO of Red Bull Racing, stepping up from the Racing Bulls team. It wasn't that long ago Laurent was at Ferrari, and here he is now leading the Red Bull ship.

"We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years" said Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff. "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."

Horner has had a tough 18 months, facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against him in February 2024 by a female colleague, which were dismissed following an appeal last summer, and an ever revolving door of second drivers at the team and a downward spiral of performance. The team has now suffered many major losses including Adrian Newey to Aston Martin and Jonathan Wheatley to Sauber.

This change is effective immediately.