Why has Christian Horner been sacked by Red Bull?
Christian Horner has left his post with immediate effect.
Christian Horner has been sacked as Red Bull Racing team principal at the start of the Formula 1 summer break with immediate effect.
Horner has led the team since 2005, overseeing six Constructor's Championship victories throughout his reign, and eight Drivers' Championships, including an active streak of four in a row from Max Verstappen.
The 51-year-old, who is married to Spice Girls star Geri Halliwell-Horner, will be replaced as Red Bull Racing CEO by Laurent Mekies, who has been team principal of the Racing Bulls team since 2024.
Red Bull managing director Oliver 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 1.
"Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history."
RadioTimes.com rounds up all you need to know about what may have caused Christian Horner's departure from Red Bull.
Why has Christian Horner been sacked by Red Bull?
No formal reason has been given for Horner's departure, but he has experienced a turbulent 18 months at the track – and away from it.
In February 2024, allegations of "inappropriate, controlling behaviour" were made against Horner by a female member of staff within the Red Bull organisation.
At the time, he told media that the claims were a "distraction" for Red Bull and denied the allegations.
Following an internal investigation, a statement from Red Bull said: "The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed.
"The complainant has a right of appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial.
"The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, and therefore we will not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned.
"Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards."
In a speech to Red Bull Racing employees ahead of the news breaking, Horner said: "Yesterday, I was informed by Red Bull that operationally, I will no longer be involved with the business for the team.”
"The decision came as a shock to myself. I have had a chance to reflect over the last 12 hours and I wanted to stand in front of all of you to break this news, and just express my gratitude to each and every single member of the team that has given so much during the 20 and a half years that I have been here."
Later on Instagram, he posted: “After an incredible journey of 20 years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the team I have absolutely loved."
In terms of the sport, Red Bull's dominant streak has been ended by the resurgence of McLaren.
Verstappen was chased down by Lando Norris towards the end of 2024, and at the mid-season break, the world champion sits third in the charts, while Red Bull are fourth in the Constructors' standings.
Legendary chief technical officer Adrian Newey, who has been credited with much of Red Bull's success, left the company earlier this year to join Aston Martin following speculation of a rift with Horner and restructuring within the team.
Horner has experienced a fraught relationship with Max's father Jos Verstappen, with the Dutchman claiming the team would be "torn apart" if Horner stayed in 2024.
Jos also took issue with Horner trying to block him from participating in a parade of classic Formula 1 cars at the Austrian Grand Prix last year.
And finally, with so much uncertainty swirling around Red Bull over the last 18 months, doubt has been cast over Max Verstappen's future. He is tied down until 2028, but reports suggest he could have a break clause in his deal, meaning he could leave at the end of a season should he finish outside the top four in the Drivers' Championship.
Rumours of a switch to Mercedes will not go away, but it remains to be seen whether Horner's exit squashes or encourages more speculation.
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Authors
Michael Potts is the Sport Editor for Radio Times, covering all of the biggest sporting events across the globe with previews, features, interviews and more. He has worked for Radio Times since 2019 and previously worked on the sport desk at Express.co.uk after starting his career writing features for What Culture. He achieved a first-class degree in Sports Journalism in 2014.
