Laurent Mekies steps in as new team principal amid turbulent 2025 season
Red Bull Racing has confirmed the immediate dismissal of team principal Christian Horner, ending a 20-year reign that defined one of Formula 1’s most dominant eras. In an official statement released Wednesday, the team announced that Laurent Mekies, former Racing Bulls team boss, will take over as principal of the senior Red Bull F1 outfit.
“We thank Christian for everything he has done. He will forever remain an important part of our team’s history,” said Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull GmbH CEO.
A Legacy of Dominance
Horner’s tenure began in 2005 when Red Bull entered Formula 1. Under his leadership, the team claimed six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ titles, including a historic four-year streak with Sebastian Vettel from 2010 to 2013 and a second golden era led by Max Verstappen from 2021 onward.
He leaves behind a team that reshaped modern F1, both in terms of performance and paddock culture. Known for his direct style and relentless focus, Horner was often described as the “glue” that held Red Bull’s racing empire together.
Cracks Begin to Show
Despite that legacy, 2025 has been turbulent. Red Bull is currently fourth in the Constructors’ standings, with rivals Ferrari and McLaren outpacing them in both pace and development. Verstappen’s hopes of a fourth consecutive title have effectively vanished midway through the season.
Horner’s position had come under increasing pressure following an internal investigation in early 2024 into alleged inappropriate behavior. Although he was cleared twice, the damage to his authority and reputation lingered. Tensions flared within the paddock and boardroom alike, with Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, openly questioning Horner’s leadership and calling for change.
A Broader Power Struggle
Behind the scenes, a wider power struggle appears to have influenced today’s decision. Multiple senior departures, including legendary aerodynamicist Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, weakened Horner’s grip on the team.
Sources suggest that the final tipping point came during recent clashes over Red Bull’s 2026 engine direction, Verstappen’s long-term future, and Red Bull GmbH’s push for organizational realignment.
“This isn’t just about one bad season,” said Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle. “This is a full-scale reset at Red Bull Racing.”
What’s Next for Red Bull?
Incoming principal Laurent Mekies, a former Ferrari deputy team principal and most recently head of Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri), will now oversee the flagship outfit. His immediate task will be to stabilize the team’s structure and begin preparations for sweeping 2026 regulation changes.
Meanwhile, Alan Permane—a respected former Alpine strategist—will replace Mekies at Racing Bulls, continuing the reshuffle across Red Bull’s motorsport divisions.
For fans and insiders, the question now becomes: Can Red Bull rebuild in time to challenge again? Or has the Horner era taken the magic with it?