Christian Horner out at Red Bull F1

A seismic change has come to Red Bull, rocking the entire Formula 1 world.

Just not the change that many expected.

After weeks of speculation over the future of Max Verstappen with the team, it is Christian Horner who is departing. The team announced that, after 20 years with the team, including eight Drivers’ Championships and six Constructors’ Championships, he is leaving with immediate effect.

Laurent Mekies, who was the Team Principal at Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, will take over as Team Principal at Red Bull. Alan Permane, the Sporting Director at VCARB, will slide into the Team Principal role with the junior team.

Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s Managing Director, acknowledged Horner’s contributions to Red Bull Racing in a statement.

“Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today and has appointed Laurent Mekies as 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.

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

Mekies and Permane reacted to their new roles as well.

“The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter [Bayer, CEO of VCARB]. It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people,” said Mekies in a statement. “The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning. 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.”

“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,” said Permane. “I am looking forward to working with Peter to continue the good work that both him and Laurent have done in taking this team forward. This is a new challenge for me, but I know that I can count on the support of everyone within them.”

This brings to a close the tenure of the longest-serving Team Principal on the grid. Horner was with Red Bull from its inception back in 2005 through last weekend’s British Grand Prix. It is a tenure that covered 20 years, 405 races, eight Drivers’ Championships, and six Constructors’ titles.

But that has all come to an end midway through the 2025 campaign.