It ends a 20-year reign over one of motorsport’s most successful teams, having been Red Bull team principal since its inception in 2005.
Under Horner’s leadership, Red Bull won six constructors’ championships and eight drivers’ championships – four apiece for Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel.
Red Bull confirmed Horner’s exit in a brief statement and announced Laurent Mekies will step up from Racing Bulls to take the 51-year-old’s place as Red Bull Racing CEO and team principal.
“Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO (chief executive) of Red Bull Racing,” Red Bull GmbH said in a statement.
Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff thanked Horner for his contribution to the team.
“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” said Mintzlaff.
“With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, 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, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”
Alan Permane will be promoted to team principal at the sister team Racing Bulls, having been its racing director.
“The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter,” said Mekies.
“It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people.
“The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning. Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path.
“He knows the team inside out and has always been an important pillar of our early successes.”
Permane added: “I feel very honoured to take on the role as Team Principal and would like to thank Oliver and Helmut for the trust they have shown in me.
“I am looking forward to working with Peter to continue the good work that both him and Laurent have done in taking this team forward.
“This is a new challenge for me, but I know that I can count on the support of everyone within them.”
Horner’s axing comes amid questions over Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull, despite being contracted through to 2028. Rumours continue to swirl that Verstappen is Mercedes-bound for 2026.
Red Bull has also suffered a marked dip in form. The Milton Keynes-based team is fourth in the constructors’ championship behind McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes.
This year, Red Bull has won just two grands prix at Suzuka and Imola thanks to Verstappen. The Dutchman’s teammates, Liam Lawson and then Yuki Tsunoda, have floundered by comparison.
Lawson contested the first two grands prix with Red Bull before being demoted to Racing Bulls. Tsunoda took his place but has endured a point-less run of five races across Monaco, Barcelona, Montreal, Styria, and Silverstone.
Horner was also the subject of sexual harassment allegations and was twice cleared of any wrongdoing.
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