Christian Horner has been relieved of his duties as Red Bull’s Formula One team principal on Wednesday morning.
The Red Bull chief had led the team since its inception in 2005, guiding them to six constructors’ titles and eight drivers’ championships. However, just one year after a personal scandal involving alleged “inappropriate behaviour” with a female colleague – an accusation Horner was cleared of twice – the 51-year-old lost his job on Wednesday morning.
Horner, who is married to Spice Girl pop star Geri Halliwell, has been replaced by Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing. Mekies was previously the team principal at sister team Racing Bulls. Red Bull CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments, Oliver Mintzlaff, said in a statement: “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.”
Red Bull endured a race to forget at the British Grand Prix on Sunday, and the team are now a distant fourth in the constructors’ standings, but this announcement still comes as a shock to the team at Milton Keynes and the whole F1 paddock. Horner was the longest-serving team boss in F1 and guided Red Bull to 124 grand prix victories during his time in charge.
Max Verstappen, who won all four of his world titles under Horner at Red Bull, posted on Instagram: “From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!”
Follow all the latest updates on this breaking news story below
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Key Points
- BREAKING: Christian Horner sacked by Red Bull F1 team
- TIMELINE: How Horner’s personal scandal played out in 2024
- STATEMENT: Read Red Bull’s statement announcing Horner exit
- Max Verstappen posts first message since Christian Horner sacking
- Horner breaks silence on Red Bull exit with lengthy statement after ‘special F1 journey’
Inside the power struggle at heart of Christian Horner exit – and what it means for Max Verstappen’s F1 future
Wednesday 9 July 2025 16:45
,
Will Castle
For a team very much accustomed to shock announcements, this was the bombshell to end all bombshells from Red Bull. After giving an emotional farewell to stunned staff at the team’s HQ at around 10am, Christian Horner drove away from the Milton Keynes campus – the site he built from the bottom-up – for the last time on Wednesday morning.
Horner’s exit after two decades as Red Bull Racing’s team principal, and later F1 CEO, would not have been earth-shattering at the start of last season. Division in the sport’s top outfit, in the wake of allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” levelled at Horner from a female colleague, was well documented.
Yet the embattled team boss was cleared, twice, and he was at the forefront as his star driver Max Verstappen won a fourth consecutive world championship. On the face of it, it seemed Horner had weaved his way through the storm and come out the other side, perhaps stronger than ever.
But for this news to come now, halfway through the 2025 season, has come as a shock to the whole paddock. The sport’s longest-serving team boss, who never missed a race in two decades, will not be present in the paddock in Belgium later this month for the first time since the 2004 Brazilian Grand Prix, at least in an official capacity.
Kieran Jackson analyses Christian Horner’s exit:
Max Verstappen posts first message since Christian Horner sacking
Wednesday 9 July 2025 16:06
,
Jamie Braidwood
Max Verstappen has thanked Christian Horner in the world champion’s first public message since the Red Bull boss was sacked earlier this morning.
Verstappen was given his first drive by Horner as a teenager and he has won four F1 titles while working under him at Red Bull.
He posted on Instagram: “From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!”
Red Bull's statement after firing Christian Horner
07:45
,
Flo Clifford
Red Bull CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments, Oliver Mintzlaff, said in a statement: "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."
Christian Horner allegations timeline: How sacked Red Bull F1 boss became embroiled in scandal
07:30
,
Flo Clifford
Christian Horner was sensationally sacked as Red Bull F1 boss on Wednesday morning.
The 51-year-old has been in charge of the team since its inception in Formula One in 2005, leading them to six constructors’ titles and eight drivers’ crowns.
But just one year on from the personal scandal involving alleged “inappropriate behaviour” with a female colleague – an accusation he was cleared of twice – Horner has on Wednesday morning lost his job.
Horner, who is married to Spice Girl pop star Geri Halliwell, has been replaced as CEO of Red Bull Racing by Laurent Mekies, formerly the team principal at sister team Racing Bulls.
Here is a timeline of how the allegations last year played out.
Christian Horner's shock exit 'not completely out of the blue'
07:15
,
Flo Clifford
Reuters have reported there was no immediate comment from Christian Horner, whose contract at Red Bull had been due to run until 2030.
Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle said Horner told him "no reason was given" for being replaced.
"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."
Max Verstappen’s F1 future predicted by Martin Brundle after Christian Horner dismissed by Red Bull
07:00
,
Flo Clifford
Martin Brundle believes Max Verstappen is likely to stay at Red Bull next season following the news that Christian Horner has been relieved of his duties as the team’s F1 CEO.
“I can only surmise it means it’s more likely he stays at this moment,” Brundle told Sky Sports News.
“It remains to be seen. Every point Max has through his own genius driving is in a Red Bull car. They’re debuting their own engine [with Ford] for the first time next year. which is going to be the biggest change in Formula 1 history.
“We know that Max has an exit clause based on where he is in the world championship at the end of this month.”
Christian Horner’s emotional farewell speech at Red Bull leaked: ‘I’ve fought hard’
06:45
,
Flo Clifford
Christian Horner admits he was “shocked” when he learned of his Red Bull exit as his farewell speech to employees was leaked on Wednesday.
Horner, the team principal at Red Bull Racing for 20 years, was relieved of his duties by Red Bull’s parent company on Wednesday morning in a surprise announcement.
The 51-year-old, who guided Red Bull from their inception in F1 to a championship-winning force, addressed employees at the team’s HQ in Milton Keynes and was visibly emotional.
Racing Bulls announce new team principal as reshuffle continues
06:30
,
Flo Clifford
Racing Bulls have named Alan Permane as their new team principal after Laurent Mekies took the place of Christian Horner at Red Bull.
"I feel very honoured to take on the role as team principal and would like to thank Oliver and Helmut for the trust they have shown in me,” he said.
"I am looking forward to working with Peter [Bayer, CEO] to continue the good work that both him and Laurent have done in taking this team forward."
WATCH: Martin Brundle reveals what Christian Horner said to him after Red Bull sacking
06:00
,
Flo Clifford
Martin Brundle has shared what Christian Horner's initial reaction was after being fired as Red Bull’s Formula One team principal on Wednesday, 9 July.
The 51-year-old has led the team since its inception in 2005. Both Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen claimed four drivers’ championships under his guidance.
Horner’s firing came one year after a personal scandal involving alleged “inappropriate behaviour” with a female colleague, an accusation Horner was cleared of twice.
Brundle, who has referred to Horner as a friend, told Sky Sports: "I am due to speak to Christian later today, I put a message through to him," before sharing Horner's reaction.
Where could Christian Horner go next?
05:00
,
Flo Clifford
Christian Horner’s chapter at Red Bull is over. But that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s done with F1 for good...
Ferrari reportedly made an effort to hire him in the past, but to no avail. And with Fred Vasseur’s future also up in the air, could a move finally materialise?
If he wants to stay in motorsport without leaving the UK, Oxfordshire-based Alpine could also be a potential landing spot, who are currently looking for a team principal.
Christian Horner's impact at Red Bull
04:00
,
Flo Clifford
Christian Horner, a former driver whose racing career stalled one level below F1, was the youngest team boss in F1, at 32, when he took charge of Red Bull in 2005 after its parent drinks company bought what had been Jaguar.
He's the only leader the team has had since - leading them to six constructors’ titles and eight drivers’ crowns, as well as each one of their 124 grand prix victories.
Horner's departure comes in the middle of the team's efforts to prepare for one of the biggest rule changes in F1 in decades next season. Red Bull will make its own engines in partnership with Ford, a project led by Horner.
Toto Wolff now the longest-serving F1 boss
03:00
,
Flo Clifford
After Christian Horner was sacked following 20 years at Red Bull, Toto Wolff is now the longest-serving F1 team principal.
Wolff helped to oversee seven consecutive drivers’ championships with Mercedes between 2014 and 2022, until that streak was ended by Red Bull in 2021.
Of course, Wolff and Horner’s rivalry encapsulated the tensions between Mercedes and Red Bull during the dramatic 2021 season, which saw Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton to the title.
Max Verstappen’s F1 future predicted by Martin Brundle
02:00
,
Flo Clifford
Martin Brundle believes Max Verstappen is likely to stay at Red Bull next season following the news that Christian Horner has been relieved of his duties as the team’s F1 CEO.
“I can only surmise it means it’s more likely he stays at this moment,” Brundle told Sky Sports News.
“It remains to be seen. Every point Max has through his own genius driving is in a Red Bull car. They’re debuting their own engine [with Ford] for the first time next year. which is going to be the biggest change in Formula 1 history.
“We know that Max has an exit clause based on where he is in the world championship at the end of this month.”
Who is Laurent Mekies? Red Bull’s new F1 team principal replacing Christian Horner after shock exit
01:00
,
Flo Clifford
It will be Laurent Mekies stepping into the hot seat at Red Bull, an experienced Formula 1 figure noted for a being a calm character - and he’ll have to be given the scrutiny and noise that seems set to engulf the team for the foreseeable future.
What is Max Verstappen's reported exit clause?
Thursday 10 July 2025 00:00
,
Flo Clifford
Verstappen is currently third in the standings, 46 points ahead of Charles Leclerc in fifth, but 69 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri.
It is reported he can exit his Red Bull deal, running until 2028, if he is lower than fourth by the F1 summer break, after the next two races in Belgium and Hungary.
The four-time reigning world champion has finished 4th, 10th, 2nd, RET, and 5th in his last five races.
Christian Horner’s nine-word response to Toto Wolff ‘terrier’ dig
Wednesday 9 July 2025 23:00
,
Will Castle
Christian Horner responded after he was branded a “yapping little terrier” by Toto Wolff, following the Formula One fallout between George Russell and Max Verstappen, footage from December 2024 shows.
The Red Bull boss declared he “loved” terrier dogs, before stating: “I’d rather be a terrier than a wolf, maybe.”
Will Max Verstappen be the next to leave Red Bull?
Wednesday 9 July 2025 22:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
Max Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen insisted on Wednesday that his driver is committed to the team. The 27-year-old has not driven outside the Red Bull family since his F1 debut for sister team Toro Rosso in 2015.
Verstappen has repeatedly reiterated his short-term commitment to Red Bull, but Mercedes boss Toto Wolff made it known recently that he is keeping an eye on the prospect of signing the Dutchman.
Verstappen’s arch rival, George Russell, only has a contract in place at Mercedes until the end of the season.
VIDEO: Horner's emotional goodbye to Red Bull staff
Wednesday 9 July 2025 21:30
An emotional Christian Horner says goodbye to the Red Bull staff. pic.twitter.com/XDtJbjtHGE
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) July 9, 2025
Red Bull GmbH's statement after firing Christian Horner
Wednesday 9 July 2025 21:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
Red Bull CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments, Oliver Mintzlaff, said in a statement: "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."
ICYMI: Christian Horner sacked as Red Bull F1 boss
Wednesday 9 July 2025 20:30
,
Jamie Braidwood
If you’re just catching up, Christian Horner has been sensationally sacked as Red Bull F1 boss.
Just one year on from the personal scandal involving alleged “inappropriate behaviour” with a female colleague – an accusation he was cleared of twice after two internal investigations – Horner has on Wednesday morning been released with immediate effect.
It is understood that Horner has not been given a clear reason as to why he has been released.
More from F1 correspondent Kieran Jackson
WATCH: Martin Brundle reveals what Christian Horner said to him after Red Bull sacking
Wednesday 9 July 2025 19:59
,
Will Castle
Martin Brundle has shared what Christian Horner's initial reaction was after being fired as Red Bull’s Formula One team principal on Wednesday, 9 July.
The 51-year-old has led the team since its inception in 2005. Both Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen claimed four drivers’ championships under his guidance.
Horner’s firing came one year after a personal scandal involving alleged “inappropriate behaviour” with a female colleague, an accusation Horner was cleared of twice.
Brundle, who has referred to Horner as a friend, told Sky Sports: "I am due to speak to Christian later today, I put a message through to him," before sharing Horner's reaction.
Where could Christian Horner go next?
Wednesday 9 July 2025 19:30
,
Will Castle
Christian Horner’s chapter at Red Bull is over. But that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s done with F1 for good...
Ferrari reportedly made an effort to hire him in the past, but to no avail. And with Fred Vasseur’s future also up in the air, could a move finally materialise?
If he wants to stay in motorsport without leaving the UK, Oxfordshire-based Alpine could also be a potential landing spot, who are currently looking for a team principal.
Racing Bulls announce new team principal as reshuffle continues
Wednesday 9 July 2025 19:00
,
Will Castle
Racing Bulls have named Alan Permane as their new team principal after Laurent Mekies took the place of Christian Horner at Red Bull.
"I feel very honoured to take on the role as team principal and would like to thank Oliver and Helmut for the trust they have shown in me,” he said.
"I am looking forward to working with Peter [Bayer, CEO] to continue the good work that both him and Laurent have done in taking this team forward."
WATCH: Christian Horner booed by F1 fans during car launch
Wednesday 9 July 2025 18:40
,
Will Castle
Christian Horner was booed by fans during the F1 75 Live event at London's O2 Arena back in February as his relationship with the wider motorsport world grew increasingly frosty.
Christian Horner’s emotional farewell speech at Red Bull leaked: ‘I’ve fought hard’
Wednesday 9 July 2025 18:12
,
Kieran Jackson
Christian Horner admits he was “shocked” when he learned of his Red Bull exit as his farewell speech to employees was leaked on Wednesday.
Horner, the team principal at Red Bull Racing for 20 years, was relieved of his duties by Red Bull’s parent company on Wednesday morning in a surprise announcement.
The 51-year-old, who guided Red Bull from their inception in F1 to a championship-winning force, addressed employees at the team’s HQ in Milton Keynes and was visibly emotional.
Christian Horner's exit has brought a 'unified sense of sadness'
Wednesday 9 July 2025 17:40
,
Will Castle
F1 commentator David Croft says there's a "unified sense of sadness" following Christian Horner's exit.
Croft told Sky Sports News: "From those that we've managed to speak to, it's a unified sense of disappointment and sadness, towards a man they see has unified their team.
"He was never afraid to sit and have a chat to various people, no matter what they did in the organisation.
"The speech that Christian Horner gave this morning to the factory this morning, was hugely emotional and Christian himself we understand was emotional and broke down."
Max Verstappen’s F1 future predicted by Martin Brundle after Christian Horner dismissed by Red Bull
Wednesday 9 July 2025 17:20
,
Will Castle
Martin Brundle believes Max Verstappen is likely to stay at Red Bull next season following the news that Christian Horner has been relieved of his duties as the team’s F1 CEO.
“I can only surmise it means it’s more likely he stays at this moment,” Brundle told Sky Sports News.
“It remains to be seen. Every point Max has through his own genius driving is in a Red Bull car. They’re debuting their own engine [with Ford] for the first time next year. which is going to be the biggest change in Formula 1 history.
“We know that Max has an exit clause based on where he is in the world championship at the end of this month.”
As Christian Horner is sacked, what next for Geri who went from Ginger Spice to the ultimate ‘surrendered wife’
Wednesday 9 July 2025 17:00
,
Will Castle
She was the girl who sewed a Union Jack tea towel onto a black micro-mini dress, creating an image that would remain lodged in the national consciousness forever – Geri Halliwell, the Spice Girl with her knickers on display and blonde streaks in her flame-red hair. She was cheeky, fun, supremely confident: the embodiment of 1990s Girl Power. Men were nice, they declared, but women didn’t need them to make their dreams come true.
But that was almost thirty years ago. Now, Halliwell-Horner, aged 52, cuts a very different figure as the wife of Christian Horner. The former Red Bull F1 boss was this week sacked from his prestigious role, months after facing the since-cleared allegations of harassment by a female employee. The claims emerged as a slew of text messages, many of a sexual nature, allegedly sent between Horner and the employee, were leaked last year.
At the time Horner immediately denied the “inappropriate behaviour” allegation made against him and maintained that it was “absolutely business as normal” for the team. Geri, meanwhile, made a somewhat excruciating public display of her support at the Bahrain Grand Prix shortly after the scandal broke. For her fans, it appeared that she had undergone a transformation so radical that she was barely recognisable; no longer fiery Ginger Spice, but the “surrendered wife”.
Polly Dunbar reports:
Christian Horner's shock exit 'not completely out of the blue'
Wednesday 9 July 2025 16:30
,
Jamie Braidwood
Reuters have reported there was no immediate comment from Christian Horner, whose contract at Red Bull had been due to run until 2030.
Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle said Horner told him "no reason was given" for being replaced.
"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."
Christian Horner allegations timeline: How sacked Red Bull F1 boss became embroiled in scandal
Wednesday 9 July 2025 15:45
,
Kieran Jackson
Christian Horner has been sensationally sacked as Red Bull F1 boss this morning.
The 51-year-old has been in charge of the team since its inception in Formula One in 2005, leading them to six constructors’ titles and eight drivers’ crowns.
But just one year on from the personal scandal involving alleged “inappropriate behaviour” with a female colleague – an accusation he was cleared of twice – Horner has on Wednesday morning lost his job.
Horner, who is married to Spice Girl pop star Geri Halliwell, has been replaced as CEO of Red Bull Racing by Laurent Mekies, formerly the team principal at sister team Racing Bulls.
Here is a timeline of how the allegations last year played out.
What is Max Verstappen's reported exit clause?
Wednesday 9 July 2025 15:30
,
Jamie Braidwood
It has been reported that Max Verstappen will be allowed to leave Red Bull if he is lower than fourth in the drivers’ championship by the F1 summer break, following the next two races in Belgium and Hungary.
Verstappen is currently third in the standings, 46 points ahead of Charles Leclerc in fifth, but 69 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri. The four-time reigning world champion has finished 4th, 10th, 2nd, RET, and 5th in his last five races.
Toto Wolff now the longest-serving F1 boss
Wednesday 9 July 2025 15:15
,
Jamie Braidwood
After Christian Horner was sacked following 20 years at Red Bull, Toto Wolff is now the longest-serving F1 team principal.
Wolff helped to oversee seven consecutive drivers’ championships with Mercedes between 2014 and 2022, until that streak was ended by Red Bull in 2021.
Of course, Wolff and Horner’s rivalry encapsulated the tensions between Mercedes and Red Bull during the dramatic 2021 season, which saw Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton to the title.
Max Verstappen’s F1 future predicted by Martin Brundle
Wednesday 9 July 2025 15:00
,
Kieran Jackson
Martin Brundle believes Max Verstappen is likely to stay at Red Bull next season following the news that Christian Horner has been relieved of his duties as the team’s F1 CEO.
“I can only surmise it means it’s more likely he stays at this moment,” Brundle told Sky Sports News.
“It remains to be seen. Every point Max has through his own genius driving is in a Red Bull car. They’re debuting their own engine [with Ford] for the first time next year. which is going to be the biggest change in Formula 1 history.
“We know that Max has an exit clause based on where he is in the world championship at the end of this month.”
When is the next grand prix?
Wednesday 9 July 2025 14:45
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Red Bull will, at least, have the benefit of a bit of a time to digest this decision and reload, with the F1 season at a temporary pause that ends with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa on the weekend of Sunday 27 July.
Who is Laurent Mekies? Red Bull’s new F1 team principal replacing Christian Horner after shock exit
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