On Wednesday morning, July 9, 2025, a bomb broke into the formula -1 world: Christian Horner, the man who led Red Bull Racing for twenty years, was immediately released as team leader and CEO. The 51-year-old Brit, who has been responsible for the Austrian team since 2005, was responsible for the disappointing performance of the 2025 season. Laurent Mekies, until recently sister team Racing Bulls, takes up his place as the new CEO of Red Bull Racing. Shortly after the announcement, Horner performed for the press in Milton Keynes, while Max Verstappen, Four -Time World Champion, gave his first reaction to the unexpected news. This marks the end of an era for Red Bull and raises questions about the future of the team and his star driver.

Horner’s departure takes place after a turbulent time. Under his leadership, Red Bull grew from a newcomer to a dominant force with six constructor tits and eight driver titles, including four in a row of Verstappen from 2021 to 2024. After a strong start in 2024, Red Bull von McLaren and Ferrari, at the end of the design championship. In 2025, the RB21 car was difficult to control under the leadership of the technical director Pierre Waché. Only five podium places for Verstappen and Lean results for teammates Yuki Tsunoda. Horner’s focus on simulator work above a new wind tunnel that was only finished in 2026 was regarded as a strategic misstep. In addition, a power struggle within the team, especially between Horner and the Verstappen family, played a role. According to f1-ssinsider.com, Jos Verstappen, Max ‘father, would have held a heated conversation with Horner after the British Grand Prix, which continued to do the tensions.

During a short press conference, Horner thanked the team and the fans without accepting the reasons for his resignation. “Twenty years are a long time and I am proud of what we have achieved,” he said loudly, soDe Telegraaf. He wished Red Bull Success and indicated future projects outside of Formula 1. Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of Red Bulls Business Projects, praised Horner’s “tireless use and innovative thinking”, emphasized that it was time for changes. Laurent Mekies, the 48-year-old Frenchman, who now takes the lead, brings with him a wealth of experience. Mekies started his career at Minardi, worked as a racing engineer for Mark Webber and Christijan Albers and played a key role at Ferrari as race director. At the FIA, he presented Halo-Cockpit protection, a milestone in the safety of sport. His most recent work at Racing Bulls, where he has been running since 2024, praised his technical sharpness and leadership.

Max Verstappen, who is currently third in the championship with 69 points behind Leader Oscar Piatri, answered carefully. During an interview after the announcement, cited byRacingNews365He said: “Christian means a lot to this team, but we have to go forward now. I look forward to working with Laurent and seeing how we bring the team back to the top.” Rumors about a possible switch to Mercedes, which would be willing to pay his flat -rate payment of 102 million euros. Jos Verstappen’s open criticism of Horner and the team structure fed this speculation, especially after a disappointing fifth place in Silverstone.

The Rescuffle in Red Bull also includes the promotion of Alan Permane to Racing Bulls team leader, where he continues the work of Mekies. Permane, a veteran in sport, described the role “A Honor” and promised to preserve the “incredible spirit” of the team. Mekies himself spoke praise for his time at Racing Bulls: “It was a privilege to build this team. Alan is the right man to continue.” For Red Bull Racing, Mekies faces a difficult task: to get the team out of a sporty dip and to preserve Verstappen’s trust in a crucial year for the new regulations of 2026. While the Formula -1 world follows the developments, Horner’s departure marks the end of an era and the beginning of an unsafe but exciting new phase for Red Bull race.