On July 9, 2025, Christian Horner was unexpectedly dismissed as Red Bull Racing’s CEO and Team Principal, triggering widespread speculation about the team’s internal struggles. Laurent Mekies, formerly Team Principal of Red Bull’s sister team VCARB, has been appointed to lead the Milton Keynes outfit, marking a significant leadership change as Max Verstappen continues to be the squad’s key driver.
Horner’s tenure at Red Bull began in 2005 when the energy drink company acquired Jaguar Racing and rebuilt the team from the ground up. Alongside influential figures such as Adrian Newey and Helmut Marko, Horner played a central role in elevating Red Bull to the pinnacle of Formula 1 success over two decades.
Team challenges and Verstappen’s potential future amid leadership change
The dismissal arrives as Red Bull has encountered a noticeable dip in performance, raising questions about the team’s direction. Rumors have intensified that Max Verstappen is in discussions with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff regarding a possible move for the 2026 season, which would coincide with upcoming regulation changes in Formula 1.
Despite the dramatic exit, Christian Horner has so far remained silent, offering no public statements or explanations for his sudden sacking. Luke Crane, a close friend of Verstappen and stream manager for Team Redline, shared a brief reaction on social media following the announcement.
Luke Crane’s brief, candid response to Horner’s firing
Crane, who frequently streams games with Verstappen, responded to the news by quoting a Sky Sports report confirming Mekies as Horner’s successor with the expletive-laden remark:
“Holy s**t” —Luke Crane, Stream Manager
Past controversies and internal tensions hint at unstable team environment
The Red Bull Racing setup has faced considerable unrest recently. In 2024, Horner was investigated for alleged sexual harassment of a team employee but was cleared of wrongdoing. Additionally, a power struggle surfaced between Horner and Helmut Marko the same year, contributing to internal friction. The departure of Adrian Newey, a key architect behind the team’s competitive edge, further unsettled the organization.
Frequent changes in the second driver position and the overall decline in team results compounded these problems, creating an unstable atmosphere at the Milton Keynes base.
Martin Brundle’s insight on Horner’s dismissal and its consequences
F1 pundit Martin Brundle, who maintains a friendly relationship with Horner, suggested the decision to remove Horner was performance-driven. Reflecting on their past interactions, Brundle commented on the deeper implications:
“I believe it’s probably performance related as well,. I think it perhaps makes it more likely that the Verstappens (Max and Jos) will stay there, that became quite personal.” —Martin Brundle, F1 Reporter and Pundit
Brundle also noted that Horner had not received any official explanation from Red Bull regarding the dismissal, highlighting the opaque nature of the move.
What lies ahead for Red Bull and Max Verstappen after leadership upheaval
The removal of Christian Horner signals a turning point for Red Bull as it strives to regain its competitiveness in Formula 1. With Laurent Mekies stepping into the principal role, the team faces a critical period that will test its resilience amid mounting pressure and internal discord.
For Max Verstappen, the situation adds uncertainty to his future with Red Bull Racing, especially as talks with Mercedes develop. How the new leadership addresses performance challenges and manages team dynamics will be pivotal in influencing Verstappen’s decisions and the team’s standing in the championship.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is Max Verstappen’s baby daughter?
A. Max Verstappen has become a father. The 27-year-old Formula One racer and his girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, welcomed their first child, a daughter named Lily. They shared this happy news together on Instagram.
Q. Is Penelope not Max Verstappen’s daughter?
A. “She’s great.” In 2025, Penelope became a big sister when Kelly Piquet and Max Verstappen had their first child, a daughter named Lily. Here’s all you need to know about Penelope, from her interests to her close connection with Verstappen.
Q. Who is Max Verstappen’s girlfriend’s baby daddy?
A. In July 2019, Piquet had a daughter named Penelope with F1 driver Daniil Kvyat, who was her boyfriend then. A day after Penelope’s birth, Kvyat achieved his first podium in three years by securing third place at the German Grand Prix. He dedicated this achievement to Piquet and their newborn daughter.
Q. Does Max Verstappen support LGBT?
A. Max expressed his respect for the LGBTQHDTV+ community, but he observed that it turns into an agenda each June. Eliza Burnett agreed, saying that’s a polite way to phrase it.
