BREAKING: Christian Horner is SACKED from Red Bull!

After nearly two years of persistent rumours surrounding his future at Red Bull, Christian Horner has been relieved of his duties as team principal.

Christian Horner

Speculation intensified amid concerns that Red Bull risked losing star driver Max Verstappen to Mercedes, given the team’s unexpectedly weak position in both championships this season.

Horner’s departure brings to a close a remarkable twenty-year tenure that began in 2005, when he became Formula 1’s youngest-ever team principal. Under his leadership, Red Bull claimed four consecutive Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships between 2010 and 2013, thanks to Sebastian Vettel’s dominant run.

However, the switch to hybrid power units in 2014 saw the team struggle with Honda’s engine reliability until Verstappen finally returned Red Bull to the top step in 2021 after a fierce title battle with Lewis Hamilton.

Although Verstappen went on to secure four straight titles—and his most recent crown in 2024—it was clear that Red Bull’s competitive edge had dulled both on and off the track.

The team was beset by off-track controversy when Horner faced allegations of inappropriate behaviour; he was ultimately cleared after an internal inquiry, but the incident marked the beginning of a turbulent period.

Red Bull’s fall from first to fourth place in the standings proved the final straw.

In a statement, Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments, paid tribute to Horner’s impact: “We thank Christian for his tireless commitment, expertise and innovative thinking, which have been central to establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the sport’s most successful and admired teams. He will always hold a special place in our history.”