[By Devansh Desai]
In a stunning move, Red Bull Racing has parted ways with Christian Horner, its long-standing team principal, after nearly two decades of leadership. Horner, who joined the team in 2005, has been a pivotal figure in Formula 1, steering Red Bull to six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ Championships, with stars like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen clinching titles under his watch.
New Era Begins: Red Bull Appoints CEO and Team Principal
Red Bull Racing has tapped Laurent Mekies, formerly of Racing Bulls, as its new CEO to lead the team’s flagship F1 operation. Alongside this Alan Permane, Racing Bulls’ Racing Director, steps up as the new Team Principal, marking a significant shift in the team’s hierarchy.
BREAKING: Alan Permane appointed Team Principal of Racing Bulls#F1 pic.twitter.com/8OyJ1nI7i0
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 9, 2025
Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s chief executive for corporate projects and investments, praised Horner’s legacy in a statement: “We extend our gratitude to Christian Horner for his remarkable contributions over the past 20 years. His dedication, expertise, and innovative approach have cemented Red Bull Racing as a powerhouse in Formula 1. Christian will always be a key part of our history.”
Horner’s Exit Follows Controversy
The decision comes over a year after Horner faced allegations of misconduct toward a team employee. Red Bull’s parent company conducted an investigation, which cleared Horner, and a subsequent appeal by the employee upheld the initial findings, according to Red Bull. Horner continued to lead the team throughout the ordeal.
Last week, Horner was under scrutiny again as questions swirled about Max Verstappen’s future with Red Bull. The Dutch driver, a cornerstone of the team’s success, remained non-committal about staying beyond 2025, adding pressure to Horner’s final days.
With Mekies and Permane now at the helm, Red Bull Racing enters a new chapter, aiming to maintain its dominance in the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1.