Christian Horner has been sacked as Red Bull team principal after 20 years in the role.

The 51-year-old has been in charge of the Formula 1 team since its inception in 2005, leading them to eight drivers’ championship and six constructors’ championship titles.

The dismissal follows months of declining form for the team and internal disputes at the highest level. It also comes 17 months after Horner was accused of sexual harassment and coercive, controlling behaviour by a female employee.

Horner was twice cleared of the claims, firstly after an internal investigation conducted by a lawyer, then by another lawyer who dismissed the complainant’s appeal.

“Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today,” the team’s parent company, Red Bull GmBH, said in a statement on Wednesday.

While Horner has been removed from his role, it has not been made clear if he has formally departed the company, or if a settlement or severance is yet in place.

The Englishman will be replaced as team principal and chief executive of Red Bull Racing by Laurent Mekies, who has been promoted from second team Racing Bulls.

The 48-year-old Frenchman had been in the role since the start of the 2024 season and was previously racing director for Ferrari.

Englishman Alan Permane, 58, has been promoted to team principal of Racing Bulls from his position as racing director.

Under Horner, Sebastian Vettel won the drivers’ championship from 2010-2013, with Max Verstappen winning the past four titles.

“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” added Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s chief executive of corporate projects and investments.

“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.”

Horner’s dismissal comes amid uncertainty about the future of star driver Verstappen, 27.

The four-time world champion is under contract to Red Bull until 2028 but is being courted by Mercedes to potentially join them for next season.

Red Bull have won only two races this season, with McLaren taking over their position as the team to beat.

Their decline began in the middle of last season; while Verstappen won his fourth straight world title, he won only twice in the final 14 races.

Source: BBC
--Agencies