On July 9, 2025, the Formula 1 world was shocked by the resignation of Christian Horner, the iconic team principal of Red Bull Racing, after two decades of unparalleled success. The departure of the 51-year-old Briton, who led Red Bull to six constructors’ titles and eight drivers’ titles, initially seemed to be prompted by the team’s disappointing performance in the 2025 season. However, shortly after the announcement, leaked messages surfaced online in which Horner allegedly admitted to harassing a female Red Bull employee. This explosive revelation, which follows a controversial affair in 2024, casts a dark shadow over his legacy and has sent the Formula 1 community into turmoil.
Horner’s dismissal was officially attributed by Red Bull to the team’s sporting malaise. After a dominant period from 2021 to 2024, in which Max Verstappen won four consecutive world titles, Red Bull dropped to fourth place in the constructors’ championship in 2025. The RB21 car struggled with technical problems, and Horner’s strategic choices, such as reliance on an outdated wind tunnel, were heavily criticized. Verstappen, currently third in the drivers’ standings, has only achieved two victories, while teammates Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda often failed to win. A fifth-place finish at Silverstone, despite pole position, was the last straw for shareholders Mark Mateschitz and Oliver Mintzlaff, who held Horner responsible.
The leaked messages, which surfaced on platforms such as X shortly after the dismissal, add a shocking dimension. According to F1Maximaal.nl , the messages, which were sent anonymously to journalists, contain alleged admissions by Horner about inappropriate behavior towards a female employee in 2023. This case ties in with an earlier controversy in February 2024, when Horner was accused of sexual misconduct. An independent investigation by Red Bull GmbH acquitted him at the time, but leaked WhatsApp messages, in which Horner made flirtatious and sexually suggestive comments, caused a media storm. The employee in question was suspended shortly afterwards for “dishonesty”, according to BBC Sport , and filed a lawsuit that will go to trial in January 2026.
The new leaked messages, which have not yet been verified, suggest that Horner has admitted in private conversations that his behaviour in 2023 was inappropriate, something he has publicly denied. On X, users are speculating that the leaks originate from an inside source with a personal vendetta, possibly linked to the power struggle within Red Bull between the Austrian and Thai shareholders. The timing, right after his dismissal, has fueled conspiracy theories about an attempt to further damage Horner’s reputation. A post on X by @DISSECTION_HALL stated: “The leaked messages appear to be a deliberate attempt to break Horner once and for all.”
Horner’s successor, Laurent Mekies, a French engineer with experience at Ferrari and Racing Bulls, will be tasked with leading Red Bull out of the crisis. Mekies’ appointment, along with the promotion of Alan Permane to team principal of Racing Bulls, marks a broader restructuring. Oliver Mintzlaff praised Horner’s “exceptional contribution” but emphasized the need for change. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen’s future remains uncertain. Rumors of a move to Mercedes, which would be willing to pay his €102 million buyout fee, are increasing, especially after tensions with Horner and advisor Helmut Marko. Verstappen responded briefly to the dismissal: “Christian has achieved a lot, but we have to move forward now.”
The 2024 affair had already damaged Horner’s position. Although he was supported by his wife, Geri Halliwell, and shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya, he lost the confidence of the Austrian side after the death of Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022. The recent leaks, which according to De Telegraaf may have legal consequences, further complicate his future. Horner himself hinted at future projects outside of Formula 1 in an emotional farewell to staff, but remained silent about the allegations. The employee’s lawsuit, which according to NOS is scheduled for 2026, may provide more clarity.
The Formula 1 world remains divided. Some praise Horner’s legacy of 124 race wins and 287 podium finishes, while others, such as F1 commentator Kris Wauters on Sporza , condemn his behavior. The leaked messages have reignited the debate about transparency and accountability in the sport, with rival team bosses like Toto Wolff calling for openness. As Red Bull prepares for 2026, Horner’s downfall remains a warning about the fragility of even the sport’s most powerful figures.
