Red Bull Racing dumps Horner amid controversy and staff exodus, names Laurent Mekies new CEO

Christian Horner’s 20-year tenure as Red Bull Racing’s team principal has ended in dramatic fashion. On Wednesday evening, Red Bull GmbH confirmed Horner had been “released from his operational duties” with immediate effect. In a surprise move, Laurent Mekies has been appointed as the new CEO of Red Bull Racing.

The announcement followed months of scandal and speculation, despite Horner twice being cleared of wrongdoing in an internal probe led by Red Bull’s parent company. The controversy first erupted in early 2024 when allegations of inappropriate conduct emerged against the long-serving boss.

Though an independent investigation cleared him in February, Horner’s position rapidly unravelled after an anonymous email leak surfaced. Hundreds of alleged messages and images reportedly involving Horner and the female complainant were circulated to high-profile members of the Formula One paddock, reigniting the media storm.

While Horner refused to engage with what he called “anonymous speculation,” the damage was already done. Red Bull suspended the woman at the centre of the claims in March 2024, later dismissing her appeal. Still, the scandal left a permanent mark on the team’s internal culture and public image.

Over the past year, Red Bull suffered a significant leadership drain, including the departures of technical mastermind Adrian Newey, chief designer Rob Marshall, and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley. The sense of instability only grew as Horner was booed at F1’s official launch in London this February.

Even McLaren CEO Zak Brown publicly questioned Horner’s viability. “If I were in his shoes, I’d feel vulnerable,” Brown said. “When I meet my board, and they ask, ‘Why did Adrian leave? Why did Rob leave?’—it’s not a good look.”

Though Horner remained defiant and retained support from some Red Bull backers, the team’s recent performance slump may have sealed his fate. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen, once a dominant force, has claimed only two victories in twelve races this season. Last weekend, he finished fifth at the British Grand Prix, which now marks Horner’s final race in charge.

Despite the bitter exit, Red Bull acknowledged Horner’s monumental contribution. Red Bull Group CEO Oliver Mintzlaff issued a statement thanking him: “With tireless commitment, experience, expertise, and innovative thinking, Christian helped establish Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful teams in Formula One. He will always remain an important part of our team’s history.”

Horner, now 51, became Red Bull team principal in 2005, transforming the outfit from newcomers into a powerhouse of modern F1. Under his leadership, the team secured six constructors’ titles and eight drivers’ championships, including four consecutive wins with Sebastian Vettel from 2010 to 2013 and the recent dominance of Verstappen.

But with Horner’s personal troubles mounting and the team’s on-track momentum faltering, Red Bull has opted for a fresh chapter. Laurent Mekies, formerly associated with Ferrari and AlphaTauri, will now take the reins amid a critical turning point for the Milton Keynes-based squad.

As Formula One enters its summer stretch, all eyes will be on Red Bull’s next strategic direction—and whether Mekies can restore focus and success to a team now reeling from its most dramatic leadership shakeup in years.