Red Bull sacked long-serving Formula One principal Christian Horner and promoted Laurent Mekies from sister team Racing Bulls in the role of chief executive on Wednesday.

Horner, 51, had been in position since becoming the youngest team boss when Red Bull made its debut as a constructor in 2005.

Frenchman Mekies hands over at Italy-based Racing Bulls to Alan Permane.

“Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday 9 July 2025) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing,” the Milton Keynes-based team said in a statement.

“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” said Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s CEO of corporate projects and investments.

“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 One.

“Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”

There was no immediate comment from Horner, whose contract had been due to run until 2030.

Sky Sports television commentator Martin Brundle, a former F1 racer, reported Horner told him “no reason was given” for being replaced.

POOR SEASON

Red Bull won eight Drivers’ World Championships and six Constructors’ Championships under Horner, but struggled this season with the team sitting fourth with 172 points in the constructors’ standings.

They trail leaders McLaren by 288 points.

Red Bull’s four-times Formula One champion Max Verstappen has won two of 12 races and is third in the drivers’ championship, with speculation about a move elsewhere.

Horner’s position was questioned, with Verstappen’s father calling last year for him to go after allegations of misconduct were made by a female employee. The Briton denied them and was cleared after an investigation.

“It is not completely out of the blue, given the problems in the team,” said Brundle.

“I believe it’s performance-related as well. It perhaps makes it more likely that Verstappen will stay there — I think that became quite personal.”

Mekies had been in charge at Faenza-based Racing Bulls since last season, working with CEO Peter Bayer, and will had the reins to Permane.

“Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path. He knows the team inside out and has always been an important pillar of our early successes,” said Mekies.