Formula 1 bombshell: Christian Horner fired from Red Bull after 20 years of success and championships, but amid controversy.
Formula 1 team Red Bull Racing has immediately dismissed Christian Horner from his position as team principal on Wednesday after 20 years, during which he has won eight world drivers' titles and six constructors' titles. His position will be filled by Laurent Mekies , head of Racing Bulls.
"We would like to thank Christian Horner for his outstanding work over the past 20 years. His tireless commitment, experience, hard work and innovative thinking have been instrumental in establishing the team as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1," said Oliver Mintzlaff , CEO of Red Bull, in a statement on Wednesday, where they announced that Laurent Mekies will be his replacement.
Horner, who was under contract until the end of 2030, has presided over the team's most glorious era in Formula 1, with Sebastian Vettel and the team winning four consecutive drivers' and constructors' championships between 2010 and 2013 and Max Verstappen winning the last four drivers' championships between 2021 and 2024, as well as being constructors' champion in 2022 and 2023.
Under the Briton's leadership, Red Bull has achieved 124 wins, 107 pole positions, and 287 podium finishes. In its last race, held last weekend in Great Britain, Dutch driver Max Verstappen started on pole but finished fifth.
Horner and Verstappen, a partnership that has endured a difficult year. Photo: AP Photo / Denes Erdos.
The team was not in its best moment, finding itself in fourth position in the constructors' standings, 288 points behind the leader, McLaren , and with Ferrari and Mercedes also ahead, with only two wins in the first twelve races of the season.
With his departure, the Austrian team has seen several big names leave in the last eighteen months, including engineer Adrian Newey , currently at Aston Martin , and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley , at Kick Sauber .
As part of the reshuffle, Laurent Mekies, who previously served as team principal for the Racing Bulls team, will take Horner's place, while Alan Permane will replace Mekies.
Laurent Mekies, Red Bull's new man. Photo: AP Photo/Lynne Sladky.
"It's been an incredible adventure contributing to the birth of Racing Bulls alongside all our talented people. The spirit of the entire team is incredible, and I firmly believe this is just the beginning. I'm very honored to take on the role of team principal and would like to thank everyone for the confidence they have shown in me," Mekies said in a statement released by the team, where he expressed his eagerness to begin this "new challenge."
Speaking about his replacement , Alar Permane , Mekies was full of praise: "Alan is the perfect man to take over and continue our journey. He knows the team inside out and has always been a key part of our early successes."
Clarin
