Was Christian Horner fired? Scandal explained as Red Bull F1 boss trends on X

AUTO: JUL 06 F1 British Grand Prix - Source: Getty
Christian Horner on the grid ahead of the F1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit. (Image via Getty/Bob Kupbens)

Christian Horner, the Red Bull team boss, has been sacked in a shocking turn of events.

Horner, whose name is currently trending on X, was the longest-serving team principal out of all the F1 teams. He had been with the brand since 2005. The decision comes 17 months after he was accused of inappropriate behavior with a female colleague. Furthermore, Newsweek has reported that Red Bull Racing was struggling to maintain its competitive edge, prompting this decision.

However, The National has reported that the F1 team's parent company, Red Bull GmbH, cleared him of all allegations twice. Racing Bulls Team Principal Laurent Mekies has now been named as the new head of the F1 team. He worked as a race engineer and team engineer for several other teams in the past.


The nature and circumstances of Christian Horner's departure from Red Bull after 20 years explored:

Red Bull GmbH stated in the wake of Christian Horner's departure on Wednesday, which reads as follows:

“Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday 9 July 2025) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing.”

Red Bull Group chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff also chimed in:

“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. 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 One. Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”

Horner, married to Spice Girl alum Geri Halliwell, is credited with Red Bull's eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ championships. It is also one of Formula One's dominating teams, The Guardian has reported.

Per the outlet, in recent months, there was a power struggle between the former team boss and Red Bull GMBH. Jos Verstappen, World Champion title holder Max's father, had been rallying to have him sacked. However, Horner navigated the tiff, leaving everyone shocked that he has since been fired.

The allegations against him came forth in February 2024, when a former employee filed a report against him with Red Bull GmbH. At the time, she accused him of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour.” Christian Horner categorically maintained his innocence, and later that month, the organisation issued a statement:

“After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation. This process, which is already under way, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister. The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”

Christian Horner continued as team boss, and by the end of February, he was absolved of all claims. A statement from Red Bull GmbH read:

“The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a right of appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial. The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, and therefore we will not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned. Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards.”

As for Mekies, the new acting head, he stated on behalf of himself and Red Bull:

"The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter. 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."

Mekies joined the team last year as he assumed the role of team principal for its sister team. He is now tasked with helming the trajectory of the team, which is one of the four giants in racing.


As of this writing, Christian Horner has yet to issue a statement himself. The Independent UK has reported that the exact reason for his being fired remains unclear.

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Edited by Debanjana