More than a year after being accused of “inappropriate, controlling behavior” by a female colleague, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has been sacked with immediate effect.
The Formula One team released a statement on July 9, saying that Christian Horner would be released of his role after 20 years in the job. Red Bull did not give a reason for Horner’s departure, but former RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff thanked him for his work, saying he would “forever remain an important part of our team history.”
French engineer Laurent Mekies, of sister F1 team Racing Bulls, will replace Horner as team principal and CEO.
Texts scandal in 2024
In February 2024, Horner denied the aforementioned accusations of misconduct. After a three-week investigation, Red Bull cleared Horner, who is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell. However, text messages allegedly sent between the two parties were leaked to the press just 24 hours later, reigniting the debate.
At the time, Max Verstappen’s father Jos, who has long clashed with Horner, told English tabloid “The Daily Mail” that “there is tension here while he remains in his position. The team is in danger of being torn apart.”
Horner’s accuser was reportedly then suspended from her job with full pay, before she submitted a formal appeal of the Red Bull verdict. In August, her appeal was dismissed and the process was closed. Horner remained in his role throughout.
History of success
Horner had been Red Bull team principal since it entered F1 in 2005. In his time in charge, he helped guide the team to eight Formula One driver’s titles — four with Sebastian Vettel and four with current defending champion Max Verstappen. He was also in charge for six constructors’ titles.
But after key departures from the team and further rumblings of discontent, Red Bull’s performance on the track has gradually begun to slide. This season, Verstappen’s skill is now outshining the car. Indeed, Horner had lately been handling questions over Verstappen’s future, with many reports linking the Dutchman to Mercedes. Verstappen currently sits third in the drivers’ championship, 69 points off leader Oscar Piastri, while Red Bull are fourth in the constructor’s championship, 288 points off leaders McLaren.
The next F1 weekend will be in Belgium on July 25.
