On Wednesday, the Red Bull organization opted to conclude their relationship with Christian Horner, the person who had been the Formula 1 team principal for over two decades. Racing Bulls head Laurent Mekies has been selected to succeed him.
This decision arose as Red Bull’s difficulties in F1 appear to be deepening. Max Verstappen is now unlikely to win the 2025 title and may consider other prospects, and the second vehicle consistently underperforms in terms of scoring significant points, regardless of the driver.
Will the replacement of Horner with Mekies equip Red Bull with the resources required to effectively compete in the upcoming F1 generation in 2026? Our reporters share their viewpoints.
Yes, his departure was overdue – Owen Bellwood
Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images
Red Bull’s place in F1 isn’t as strong as before; they aren’t even the most competitive in the current regulation period.
Following their peak in 2023, when the team achieved victory in nearly every F1 event, they currently find themselves battling for podium spots with a single car, while simultaneously struggling to ensure that the other completes each race. The downfall is significant.
Various factors at Red Bull’s headquarters in Milton Keynes may be responsible for this downturn, but the ultimate accountability resides with the leader. Christian Horner oversaw the team during a period characterized by considerable loss of personnel, decreased rankings, and persistent off-track controversies.
Given the situation, Horner’s unexpected departure from the team was not entirely unanticipated. However, Red Bull’s choice to dismiss its leader midway through a crucial season, akin to Horner’s handling of his drivers, is likely to disrupt the team’s dynamics.
As the team grapples with finding its rhythm, rumors regarding Max Verstappen’s potential departure circulate, and with only two races remaining before the F1 summer hiatus, maintaining stability is crucial for Red Bull to both recover this season and prepare for the extensive regulatory changes in the following year. In reality, this change should have been initiated earlier.
The timing was appropriate – Stuart Codling
Christian Horner, Team Principal, Red Bull Racing, on the grid
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
Enoch Powell stated that all political careers eventually conclude in disappointment. However, in contemporary society, they typically culminate in self-promoting memoirs, but that’s a separate issue.
The dismissal of Christian Horner from Red Bull has been anticipated for quite some time, particularly following Dietrich Mateschitz’s death in October 2022. Regardless of how meticulous a prominent figure manages their affairs, changes in leadership usually bring about intense power struggles and trivial conflicts.
Horner played a crucial role in transforming the struggling Jaguar Racing team, which had long been an object of ridicule in Formula 1, into a highly competitive and motivated winning organization. Yet, he harbored a quiet resentment towards Helmut Marko’s role as Mateschitz’s influential advisor.
Extended periods of achievement can result in either complacency or, more critically, arrogance. Red Bull’s accomplishments were a product of teamwork, and as important members of that team departed, Horner attempted to persuade others that they were dispensable and easily substituted.
Like Julius Caesar, one might initially succeed as a leader, but eventually find oneself in a position of betrayal. Red Bull is now experiencing a decline, and competitive decay is evident, which necessitates a change.
The ideal time to initiate that change is now.
The decision is 18 months late – Mark Mann-Bryans
Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
After the ‘scandal’ last winter that greatly affected Red Bull, Christian Horner’s departure seemed inevitable.
Despite opposition from powerful individuals within and associated with Red Bull, he managed to remain. However, the team and the company as a whole aimed to move forward, though the situation hindered their progress.
In reality, the team’s performance on the track initially alleviated pressure on Horner in early 2024. With Max Verstappen securing a drivers’ championship despite McLaren and Ferrari surpassing Red Bull, the team leader had navigated the worst of the consequences.
Since then, the allegations have consistently overshadowed Horner, and it’s highly probable that the public airing of internal issues contributed to his quick departure from Red Bull.
Although he had gathered sufficient internal support at the time, his recent removal suggests that there was a missed opportunity to make changes 18 months ago, which would have provided additional time to prepare for 2026 and beyond.
The damage from internal conflicts is irreversible – Ronald Vording
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner, Team Principal, Red Bull Racing, Helmut Marko, Consultant, Red Bull Racing, Jos Verstappen
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
If individuals within the Red Bull organization believed that removing Christian Horner would foster unity and harmony in the F1 team, then this action is commendable. However, in a broader sense, its impact may be limited, and the timing seems peculiar, to say the least.
Laurent Mekies possesses a broad range of experience from various organizations and is equipped to lead effectively. However, his advancement is unlikely to have a short-term effect. The RB21 is the key concern, and as resources are being directed toward subsequent initiatives, this vehicle is anticipated to remain troublesome for the remainder of 2025. Achieving either global title is unfeasible.
For 2026, the performance of Red Bull’s engine project is crucial, so the leadership transition from Horner to Mekies will likely not promptly influence track performance. This approach is designed for enduring success, but damage has already been incurred. Key personnel such as Adrian Newey, Rob Marshall, Jonathan Wheatley, and Will Courtenay have left or will be departing from the team, and replacing them will not be straightforward, no matter who is in command. This indicates that internal battles for control have significantly harmed Red Bull, and some consequences may not be reversible.
Red Bull was respectful, and this decision makes logical sense – Oleg Karpov
Christian Horner, Team Principal, Red Bull Racing with the team
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
The present timing of these changes, as opposed to 18 months prior, ultimately benefits Christian Horner. Although the outcome is not ideal, Red Bull’s communication was at least courteous, recognizing his accomplishments and contributions to the team’s history. Had the decision been made immediately after the scandal a year and a half earlier, the context would have differed considerably.
A dismissal resulting directly from claims of inappropriate behavior would have restricted Horner’s future chances to return to F1 with another team. Regardless of the ethical considerations surrounding that situation, of which we will likely never know the full details, this would have been unjust to him. Instead of becoming an unwelcome figure, discussions are now centered on his potential fit in other leadership roles,
