Christian Horner gave an emotional farewell speech on Wednesday after being released as the head of Red Bull, and said the team leadership was the greatest privilege of his life.
Horner, which led the team based in Milton Keynes since its entry to Formula 1 in 2005, was informed on Tuesday evening by the Austrian Red Bull leadership that on Tuesday evening, that Was exempt from his duties After more than 20 years at the rudder.
“Yesterday, I was informed by Red Bull that I would no longer participate in a business or a team that moved forward after this assembly,” Horner told employees during an emotional address at the team factory, later Sky Sports.
“I will still be employed by a company, but the baton will be handed over. And it seemed to be a shock to me, but what I had time was thinking in the last 12 hours. And I wanted to stand in front of you to break this message and just express my gratitude to everyone and each team I have been here in the last 20 and half years.
“When I arrived 20 years ago, with a few less gray hair, I walked into the team, I didn’t know what to expect, but I was immediately welcomed. And we started to build what happened in Formula 1.
Horner supervised the rise of Red Bull to the top of sport and led the team to six designers and eight drivers’ titles, divided between Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. However, it seems that he has contributed to his departure in performance in the last 18 months and the departure of key persons – including the renowned technical chief Adrian NEVEN. The own future of Verstappen and the team also remains uncertain.
Although the Horner has not been involved, he has confirmed that Red Bull will remain on the payroll of Red Bull for the time being, although it is not clear in what capacity.
Mekies takes over Red Bull
Laurent Mekies, formerly the director of the sister clothing team Red Bull, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, has been appointed Horner’s successor and will take over the double role of the Red Bull Racing team director and the immediate effect. Alan Permane, the current sports director, will take over Mekies in Racing Bulls.
“Over the last and a half years, it was an absolute privilege to lead bulls for visa racing applications and I would like to thank all our talented people in Faenz and Milton Keynes,” Mekies said. “Looking at the future, I am excited to take over the role of Oracle Red Bull Racing, one of the most successful and dynamic teams in sports.
“It is an honor to be part of this group of brilliant people who embody the spirit of Red Bull. Together we will achieve great results and build on an incredible legacy that has left Christian Horner over the two decades.”
Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects and investment for Red Bull GmbH, also expressed gratitude for the contributions of the Horner to the team.
“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work in the last 20 years,” he said. “Thanks to his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he was helpful in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.
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Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
10th July 2025
