Christian Horner Latest Update News 2025.9 July

Christian Horner's sudden goodbye from Red Bull Racing – a new era

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A shocking departure after 20 years

Christian Horner, who was the Team Principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing for 20 years, was suddenly removed from his operational duties on 9 July 2025. This news was surprising for all those who have been a part of his dedication and success.

 Laurent Mekies, the former CEO of Racing Bulls, has been appointed as the new Team Principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing, taking his position.Racing Bulls have also appointed Alan Permane as their new Team Principal.

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 Thanks and Praises to Red Bull

Red Bull CEO – Corporate Projects & Investments – Oliver Mintzlaff thanked Horner for his two-decades of retirement. He said Horner “led the team to great heights with incredible commitment, experience, and new thinking.”

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Tears Filled With Tears

Christian Horner shared an emotional address with staff at the Milton Keynes facility. He admitted the decision was a “shock” for him and said he gave his “heart and soul” to the team.

In his social media post, Horner wrote:

> “After a wonderful journey of 20 years, today with a heavy heart I say goodbye to the team I wanted so much…”

What was the reason: performance, stress, or change?

According to Sky Sports, Red Bull did not give any specific reason for Horner’s removal. But it is understood that the team’s recent overall performance – where Red Bull is fourth in the Constructors’ Championship and Max Verstappen is third among drivers – has created a lot of frustration.

Driver decisions have also been a target of criticism, particularly in the case of Sergio Pérez – who was first retained and later released – and confusion over the future of new rookies has raised questions about Horner's leadership.

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Verstappen's Contract Clause

A clause in Max Verstappen's contract reportedly states that he might quit the team if he does not finish in the top three by the summer break.Horner has confirmed the existence of this clause, but also expressed hope:

> "If everything goes well, he will 100% be with us next year."

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Sign of past allegations

Christian Horner was accused of some charges in February 2024, which he continued to deny. Although he was cleared after investigation, internal tensions still remain according to the reports. The restructuring done in 2022 also reduced his influence.

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New leader's emergence and Verstappen's welcome

Laurent Mekies will officially take up his new role from the Belgian Grand Prix (27 July 2025).

Max Verstappen made an emotional post on Instagram and wrote:

> “Together we have lived great moments of success, from my first win to four world titles. Thank you Christian, for everything!”

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Christian Horner: A Journey

Christian Horner was born in Leamington Spa on November 16, 1973. He started his motorsport career as a driver.In 1997 he founded Arden International, and in 2005 became the youngest Team Principal of Red Bull Racing at the age of just 31.

Red Bull became a dominant force in Formula 1 under his leadership, winning six Constructors' and eight Drivers' Championships, four with Sebastian Vettel and four with Max Verstappen.

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Was all this part of the power game?

Some F1 experts say that Horner's departure could be the result of a major power struggle. Jos Verstappen's influence over the team, Red Bull's internal politics, and Red Bull Powertrains decisions fall into this category. The team's lack of a clear reason is only fuelling suspicion.

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The way forward

Red Bull is building its own power unit for 2026, when new technical regulations are due to be introduced in F1. Christian Horner compared the transition to a new period in F1 history – such as Vettel’s move to Ferrari in 2014.

With Horner no longer part of the team, the F1 world is watching to see if Red Bull can maintain its strength – and what Christian Horner’s next step will be.