Red Bull Racing: Christian Horner Out, Laurent Mekies Takes Over

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Red Bull Racing has announced the “immediate” departure of Christian Horner as team principal, after two decades of successful leadership in Formula 1. During his management, Horner accumulated eight world drivers’ titles and six constructors’. His position will be filled by Laurent Mekies, who currently serves as the head of Racing Bulls.

We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. With his tireless commitment, experience, work and innovative thinking he has been fundamental in establishing the team as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.

Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of Red Bull
Horner, who had a contract until the end of 2030, led Red Bull’s most glorious era in Formula 1. Under his direction, Sebastian Vettel and the team achieved four consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ championships between 2010 and 2013. Max Verstappen also won four consecutive drivers’ championships between 2021 and 2024, in addition to the constructors’ championships in 2022 and 2023.

Highlighted Achievements

  • 124 victories
  • 107 ‘poles’
  • 287 podiums
In the last race, the Dutchman Max Verstappen, Red Bull driver, started from ‘pole’, but finished in fifth position. The team is currently in fourth position in the constructors’ standings, 288 points behind the leader, McLaren, with Ferrari and Mercedes ahead, and only two victories in the first twelve races of the season. In the last eighteen months, Red Bull has seen the departure of key figures, including engineer Adrian Newey, now at Aston Martin, and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, at Kick Sauber. Laurent Mekies, coming from Racing Bulls, will take on the role of team principal, while Alan Permane will replace Mekies.

It has been an incredible adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls along with all our talented people. The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I firmly believe that this is just the beginning. I feel very honored to take on the role of team principal and I would like to thank everyone for the trust they have shown in me.

Laurent Mekies
Mekies praised Alan Permane, his successor, highlighting his knowledge of the team and his fundamental role in the initial successes.
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