Christian Horner has revealed that he was left “shocked” after learning of his removal as Chief Executive Officer and Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, marking the end of a 20-year era leading the Milton Keynes-based Formula 1 team.
Following a decision taken by the Austrian parent company Red Bull GmbH on Tuesday evening, Christian Horner informed the Red Bull Racing staff in person on Wednesday morning with a factory-wide meeting. In a short but emotional address—captured by Sky Sports—the long-serving figure confirmed that, for the time being, he will remain on the company’s payroll, although it remains unclear what his new position, if any, will be.
“Yesterday, I was informed by Red Bull that, operationally, I will no longer be involved in the company or the Formula 1 team after this meeting,” Horner explained. “I will continue to be employed by the company, but operational responsibilities will be passed on to others. This was a shock to me, but I’ve had some time to reflect over the past 12 hours. I wanted to stand in front of all of you today to deliver this news myself and to express my deep gratitude to every single member of this incredible team who has given so much over the last 20 and a half years since I joined.”
Horner then reflected on his beginnings with Red Bull in 2005: “When I arrived 20 years ago—with a few less grey hairs—I didn’t know what to expect. But I was welcomed right away. From two crumbling buildings, we started to build what has become a powerhouse in Formula 1. Being part of this team has been the greatest privilege of my life.” His emotional words were met with applause by the staff present in the Milton Keynes facility.
The decision to remove Horner also triggered an immediate shake-up within the Red Bull organization. Two other key figures, both hired by Horner—Marketing Director Oliver Hughes and Group Communications Director Paul Smith—also departed the team following the announcement.
Laurent Mekies, who has been serving as Team Principal of the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri), has now been appointed as the new CEO and Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, with immediate effect. As a result, Mekies leaves his role in Faenza, which will now be taken over by experienced motorsport figure Alan Permane.
Reflecting on his transition, Laurent Mekies stated: “Over the past year and a half, it has been an absolute privilege to lead the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls team, and I want to thank all our talented staff in both Faenza and Milton Keynes. Looking ahead, I am thrilled to take on the role of CEO and Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, one of the most successful and dynamic teams in the history of this sport.”
He added: “It is a great honor to become part of this outstanding group of individuals who embody the true Red Bull spirit. Together, we will aim for even greater success, building on the incredible legacy that Christian Horner has left over his two decades at the helm.”
Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments at Red Bull GmbH, also paid tribute to Horner’s achievements: “We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the past 20 years. Through his tireless dedication, his deep expertise, his leadership, and his innovative thinking, he played a decisive role in making Red Bull Racing one of the most successful and respected teams in Formula 1. Thank you for everything, Christian—you will forever remain an important part of our team’s history.”
Christian Horner’s departure marks a significant turning point for Red Bull Racing, a team he led from its founding in 2005, steering it to multiple Constructors’ and Drivers’ World Championships. As the Formula 1 world digests this dramatic shift in leadership, all eyes will now turn to Laurent Mekies to see how he navigates this new era for the reigning championship-winning team.
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