Horner fired as Red Bull F1 team principal, replaced by Mekies

The bombshell news comes just a year after Horner was embroiled in a scandal over messages allegedly sent to a female employee - allegations he was twice cleared of by internal investigations. But the rot had set in and triggered a brain drain of top talent such as Adrian Newey, Rob Marshall and Jonathan Wheatley.

The latter two are responsible for the top three drivers on the British Grand Prix podium, former RBR key team members, while Max Verstappen struggled during a chaotic race at Silverstone, which might've been another story altogether had the two been in his corner. But one is at McLaren and the other at Sauber/Audi.

According to Bild, negotiations are underway to terminate Horner's contract with immediate effect. He is believed to have said farewell to staff at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes headquarters at 10am on Wednesday.

Horner, 51, has led Red Bull since its 2005 debut, overseeing a golden era of eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ championships across the Vettel and Verstappen eras.

His position, previously shielded by backing from Red Bull’s Thai majority owners, has become untenable amid internal dissatisfaction, sagging results, and Verstappen's own discontent.

Red Bull’s UK press office has yet to comment, with all media inquiries now being referred to company HQ in Austria. Red Bull Group CEO Oliver Mintzlaff is understood to have made the final call, with co-owners Chalerm Yoovidhya, Mark Mateschitz, and senior advisor Helmut Marko also informed and reportedly in support.

Horner was still present at Silverstone over the weekend and hosted Red Bull’s annual Clay Day event last week. Despite appearances, the decision signals a dramatic shift at the heart of the World Championship-winning organisation.

Before Red Bull made anything official, VCARB released the following press release: "With immediate effect, Laurent Mekies will take over the duties of CEO at Red Bull Racing. As part of his change, Alan Permane, currently Racing Director, will be promoted to Team Principal at Racing Bulls."

The senior team's new team principal, Mekies said : “The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter. It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people.

"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," added Mekies.

His replacement, Alan Permane said: “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. 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.”