Table of Contents
- Christian Horner fired from Red Bull after two decades
- He says that he is not sure why he was fired
- The team hasn’t performed well this season
Christian Horner fired from Red Bull after serving for two decades, has shocked the motorsports world.
Horner was removed from his role as Red Bull Racing’s team principal, bringing an end to his 20-year tenure at the helm of the Formula 1 team.
The decision, which caught many off guard, was communicated to Horner on Tuesday evening. He addressed the team on Wednesday morning in an emotional farewell speech at Red Bull’s headquarters in Milton Keynes.
Two senior team members closely aligned with him have also departed the organisation. The team is yet to offer a public explanation for the decision.
Why was Christian Horner Fired?
Horner told Sky Sports F1 pundit Martin Brundle that he was not given any reason for his dismissal.
However, Horner’s final 18 months in charge were marred by controversy and turbulence. Earlier in 2024, he faced internal allegations of misconduct from a female employee.
An internal investigation later cleared him of wrongdoing following an appeal and vehement denial. It may have led to the recent development of Christian Horner fired by Red Bull.
Red Bull driver Liam Lawson, 23, with team principal Christian Horner. Lawson has had a troubling season so far. Photo/GP Fans
Who is the New Red Bull Team Principal?
Red Bull named Laurent Mekies as the new team principal and CEO. Mekies, who previously led the junior team Racing Bulls, will now take charge of the senior squad.
Alan Permane is set to succeed Mekies at Racing Bulls. In a heartfelt message to Red Bull staff captured on video, an emotional Horner said the decision came as a surprise to him.
He expressed deep gratitude for his time with the team, saying that his night was all about self-reflection. Horner stated that he realised that his team was always supportive.
Although news of Christian Horner fired left him on the edge, he described his 20-year tenure as the Red Bull team principal as ‘the greatest.’
Red Bull’s managing director, Oliver Mintzlaff, acknowledged Horner’s significant contributions in an official statement.
He praised Horner for his relentless energy, experience, and innovative approach, which helped elevate Red Bull Racing to the top of the sport.
Mintzlaff added that Horner Christian will always be an important part of Red Bull’s legacy. During his two-decade spell, Horner led Red Bull through two dominant eras in Formula 1.
Max Verstappen with his fiancee Kelly Piquet and her daughter Penelope. Photo/People
Under his leadership, Sebastian Vettel clinched four back-to-back driver titles between 2010 and 2013. More recently, Max Verstappen secured four consecutive championships from 2021 to 2024.
The team also captured the constructors’ titles in 2022 and 2023. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s dominance on the track has waned. McLaren has overtaken them as the current front-runner in the championship.
Key figures like renowned designer Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley have also exited the team, moving to Aston Martin and Sauber respectively.
Horner’s final race at the helm was the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Verstappen, who started on pole, finished fifth after spinning in wet conditions.
The Dutch driver is currently trailing championship leader Oscar Piastri by 69 points as the season hits the halfway mark.
Red Bull sits fourth in the constructors’ standings—288 points behind leaders McLaren. Ferrari and Mercedes are also ahead in the rankings.
Verstappen has scored 165 of Red Bull’s 172 points so far, while the second car has underperformed. Liam Lawson was dropped after just two races, and Yuki Tsunoda has struggled, finishing last in the past two events.
