In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world, Christian Horner has been fired as team principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing after an extraordinary 20-year tenure. Horner’s departure marks the end of an era for one of the sport’s most successful and influential leaders.
“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years… 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, you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”
— Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments
Since joining Red Bull in 2005, Horner transformed the team from newcomers into a dominant force:
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(including four consecutive titles with Sebastian Vettel and further dominance with Max Verstappen)
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More than 8,000 world championship points
Horner’s leadership style, media presence, and high-profile rivalries—most notably with Mercedes’ Toto Wolff—made him a household name, further amplified by Netflix’s Drive to Survive.
Max Verstappen and Christian Horner enjoy their race win in Bahrain after a drama-filled week at Red Bull. Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images
Red Bull has not publicly disclosed the specific reasons behind Horner’s abrupt dismissal, only stating that he was “released from his operational duties with effect from today” and thanking him for his contributions. However, several factors contributed to mounting pressure:
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: Red Bull is facing its worst championship outcome in a decade, with on-track results slipping and internal uncertainty about the future of star driver Max Verstappen.
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: Since the death of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz, a power struggle has emerged between the company’s Austrian and Thai ownership factions, undermining Horner’s support at the top.
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Controversies and Investigations: Horner was embroiled in a high-profile misconduct investigation in early 2024. Although he was cleared after an internal review and appeal, the episode left lasting divisions within the team and its leadership.
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: Horner’s exit was accompanied by the departures of other senior Red Bull figures, deepening the sense of upheaval at the team’s Milton Keynes headquarters.
, formerly team principal of Red Bull’s sister outfit Racing Bulls, has been promoted to CEO of Red Bull Racing, effective immediately. Alan Permane, Racing Bulls’ racing director, steps up as team principal of the sister team.
The abrupt leadership change raises key questions for Red Bull and Formula 1:
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The reigning champion has declined to comment on his future with Red Bull beyond 2025, fueling speculation about potential moves to rival teams.
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Can Red Bull Maintain Its Edge? With high-profile departures and internal divisions, the team faces a crucial period of transition—both on and off the track.
Christian Horner’s firing is more than just a managerial change—it’s a seismic shift for Formula 1. As the dust settles, all eyes will be on Red Bull Racing to see how they respond to this unprecedented moment.
Stay tuned to MotorAddicts.ca for the latest updates on this developing story and all things motorsport.
