Horner exit sparks Red Bull purge of his allies as Mekies takes over
F1 NewsThursday, 10 July 2025 at 17:02
Christian Horner’s dismissal from Red Bull after two decades has, according to multiple reports, been followed by the sacking of several key allies within the organisation, as Red Bull GmbH begins a deep restructuring of its Formula 1 team in the wake of mounting controversy and declining performance.
51-year-old Horner was informed on Wednesday that he would no longer be operationally involved in running the Red Bull F1 team, ending a 20-year reign that delivered six F1 constructors’ titles and eight F1 drivers’ championships.
His departure came just days after a disappointing British Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen finished fifth and Yuki Tsunoda was the last classified finisher.
According to the abovementioned reports, multiple staff closely associated with Horner have also been dismissed, with the Austrian parent company keen to perform a full internal reset. The individuals were reportedly hand-picked by Horner and seen as loyal to him, which a source described as a “double-edged sword.”
Incoming team principal Laurent Mekies, who joins from Red Bull’s sister outfit Racing Bulls, is expected to use the opportunity to build his own leadership structure. A source told the outlet that Mekies intends to impose “his own vision” and is regarded as “a far more anonymous” figure compared to his predecessor.
Mekies is in charge of the Red Bull F1 team with immediate effect
The 48-year-old Frenchman brings 24 years of Formula 1 experience from roles at Minardi, Toro Rosso Ferrari, and, most recently, VCARB, the Red Bull junior team. With two weeks until the next round in Belgium, Mekies is expected to take charge immediately as Red Bull attempts to stabilise its faltering campaign.
Horner, speaking to staff at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes headquarters on Wednesday afternoon, gave an emotional farewell but stressed that he remains employed by the company in a reduced capacity: “Yesterday I was informed by Red Bull that operationally I would no longer be involved with the business or the team moving forward from this gathering.
“I will still remain employed by the company but operationally the baton will be handed over. That obviously came as a shock to myself. What I have had time to do is reflect over the last 12 hours or so. And I wanted to stand in front of all of you and express my gratitude to each and every single member of the team that has given so much during the last 20-and-a-half years that I’ve been here.
“When I arrived 20 years ago, with fewer grey hairs, I walked into a team and I didn’t know what to expect. But I was immediately welcomed and, in two run-down buildings, we started to build what became a powerhouse in Formula One. Watching and being part of this team has been the biggest privilege in my life,” the Englishman told staff.
Max Verstappen: Thank you for everything, Christian
Horner's departure comes more than a year after serious allegations of inappropriate behaviour by a female employee first emerged. He was twice cleared following internal investigations, though a leaked file containing alleged messages sent via WhatsApp intensified pressure from inside and outside the paddock.
The controversy cast a long shadow over the team’s dominance, contributing to a wider destabilisation of Red Bull Racing. Despite Geri Halliwell, Horner’s wife, standing by him throughout the affair, reports of internal discontent grew louder over recent months, culminating in this week’s shake-up.
Max Verstappen, whose father Jos has openly clashed with Horner in recent months, issued a brief farewell message: “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 Group CEO Oliver Mintzlaff also paid tribute: “We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. With his commitment, experience and expertise, 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.”
Horner’s exit coincides with a steep drop in performance. Red Bull now sit fourth in the constructors’ standings, 288 points adrift of championship leaders McLaren. With Verstappen’s future still uncertain and the departure of senior figures like Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley and Rob Marshall, Red Bull faces a turbulent rebuild both on and off the track.
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