From Dynasty to Disarray: Red Bull Fires Christian Horner

Amid its worst season in a decade, Red Bull Racing decided it was time to make a leadership change.

The team announced that it has sacked team principal Christian Horner, who has held the role since 2005. Horner led Red Bull to eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ championships (2010–13, 2022–23).

However, halfway through the 2025 season, Red Bull sits at fourth in the constructors’ championship standings. The team has not finished below the top three since 2015. 

“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull CEO of corporate projects and investments, said in a statement. “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.”

Max Verstappen has kept Red Bull in the fight, scoring 165 of the team’s 172 points this year. But the four-time defending world champion has won just two races this year and has missed the podium in four of the last five races.

His future with the team has also been in question despite being under contract until 2028. Two weeks ago, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said the team is “exploring” Verstappen’s future plans. Verstappen and Mercedes have been linked since last season.

The contracts of both Mercedes drivers—George Russell and Kimi Antonelli—expire at the end of this season. However, Russell, who has publicly clashed with Verstappen over the last year, has expressed confidence in his return to the German automaker.

“The likelihood I’m not at Mercedes next year, I think, is exceptionally low,” Russell said before the British Grand Prix.

Several high-level executives have departed from Red Bull over the last two seasons. Legendary race engineer Adrian Newey left for Aston Martin, while former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley was appointed the team principal of Sauber this season.