Red Bull CEO speaks out on sacking Christian Horner as next steps laid out | F1 | Sport
Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects and investments at Red Bull, has spoken out following the sacking of Christian Horner. The former team principal departs after 20 years with the organisation.
Horner’s position has been a topic of constant speculation in 2025 as Red Bull‘s decline became more noticeable. The six-time constructors champions are languishing in fourth place in the standings, while star driver Max Verstappen has drifted 69 points behind Oscar Piastri as he chases a record-equalling fifth consecutive Drivers’ Championship crown.
With Verstappen’s World Championship prospects slipping away and links with a sensational switch to Mercedes refusing to go away, Red Bull have acted. Horner has been removed from his position with immediate effect.
“Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday 9 July 2025) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing,” a Red Bull spokesperson said. “Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO Corporate Projects and Investments thanked Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.”
Speaking out on the sacking, CEO Mintzlaff said: “We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, 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.”
Replacing Horner is Frenchman, Mekies, who was serving as Racing Bulls’ team principal this season. The 48-year-old has hands-on experience managing struggling Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda, having worked with him in 2024 and the first two races of the 2025 campaign.
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Turning the 25-year-old’s form around will be key to short-term success at Red Bull. The Japanese racer has scored just seven points since swapping Faenza for Milton Keynes and has finished 12th and below in each of the last five Grands Prix. Then, there is the matter of convincing Verstappen to stay with the team.
Mekies considers himself ready for the challenge. “The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter [Bayer, executive director of Racing Bulls]. 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.”
