Christian Horner was dismissed from his role as Team Principal of Red Bull Racing on Wednesday, ending a highly successful tenure spanning two decades marked by both triumph and controversy. Laurent Mekies was swiftly appointed as Horner’s successor, stepping in to lead Red Bull Racing immediately.
Red Bull Acknowledges Horner’s Impact and Legacy
Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments, expressed the organization’s gratitude for Horner’s contribution over the last 20 years.
We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,
Mintzlaff said.
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.
—Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments
Under Horner’s leadership, Red Bull Racing achieved 124 Grand Prix victories, secured eight driver championships—four of which were won by Max Verstappen and four by Sebastian Vettel—and earned six constructors’ titles. Horner’s career was overshadowed by repeated allegations of inappropriate conduct with a female colleague, though he was cleared of wrongdoing in previous investigations. The latest controversy involved the leak of private WhatsApp messages between Horner and a colleague.
Max Verstappen Reaffirms Commitment to Red Bull
Despite the managerial upheaval, Max Verstappen remains steadfast in his commitment to Red Bull Racing. His agent, Raymond Vermeulen, confirmed their loyalty during this period of transition.
We have a contract with Red Bull and are committed, as we have been for 11 years. We now mainly want the performance to return,
Vermeulen stated.
Max wants to get the best out of the material he has at his disposal, but we also realize that the championship is no longer possible.
—Raymond Vermeulen, Max Verstappen’s Agent
Leadership Changes in Red Bull’s Junior Team
Laurent Mekies, previously the team principal for Red Bull’s junior squad Racing Bulls, will now lead the senior team. Alan Permane is named to assume Mekies’ former responsibilities as principal of the junior program.
Implications for Red Bull Amid Leadership Shift
The departure of Christian Horner marks a significant turning point for Red Bull Racing, which has thrived under his guidance but faced internal challenges. With Mekies at the helm, the team aims to restore top performance and rebuild stability. Max Verstappen’s continued dedication underscores the team’s focus on future success, even as championship aspirations may have dimmed this season. How this change influences the team’s dynamics and results will be closely watched throughout the remainder of the racing calendar.
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, have a new baby girl named Lily. They shared this wonderful news together on Instagram.
Q. Is Penelope not Max Verstappen’s daughter?
A. In 2025, Penelope became a big sister when Piquet and Verstappen had a daughter, Lily. Penelope shares a special connection with Max Verstappen and enjoys various hobbies.
Q. Who is Max Verstappen’s girlfriend’s baby daddy?
A. In July 2019, Piquet and F1 driver Daniil Kvyat became parents to a daughter named Penelope. They were dating at that time. Just a day after Penelope’s birth, Kvyat achieved his first podium finish in three years by coming third at the German Grand Prix. He dedicated this race achievement to Piquet and their new daughter.