Red Bull Racing announced the immediate dismissal of Christian Horner, their CEO and Team Principal, on July 9, 2025. Laurent Mekies, the Team Principal of Red Bull’s sister outfit VCARB, has been named as Horner’s successor. The news quickly drew attention within the Formula 1 community, including a strong reaction from Max Verstappen’s close friend, Luke Crane.
Horner had been integral to Red Bull since its beginning, following the acquisition and rebranding of Jaguar Racing in 2005. Alongside Adrian Newey and Helmut Marko, Horner was a foundational leader contributing significantly to Red Bull’s successes over two decades.
Background Factors Leading to Instability at Red Bull
Horner’s exit has emerged amid a period of declining performance for Red Bull Racing, with Max Verstappen reportedly in discussions with Mercedes team head Toto Wolff about a potential move ahead of the 2026 season. The official reasons for Horner’s termination remain undisclosed, and Horner himself has not commented publicly on his dismissal.
Luke Crane, who manages streams for Team Redline and frequently collaborates online with Verstappen, responded to the news by sharing a Sky Sports news clip detailing the leadership change, adding a succinct and surprised comment: “Holy s**t”.
In 2024, Horner faced allegations of sexual harassment made by a Red Bull employee, but an internal investigation cleared him of wrongdoing. That same year, a reported power struggle intensified between Horner and Helmut Marko, further destabilizing the team. Additionally, Adrian Newey grew dissatisfied and eventually departed, exacerbating the internal turmoil. Alongside ongoing changes in the second driver position and slipping team performance, Red Bull’s environment has been turbulent.
Insights from Formula 1 Pundit Martin Brundle
Known for his long-standing friendship with Horner, F1 reporter and analyst Martin Brundle shared his perspective on the situation. Brundle recounted humorous past moments with Horner, such as a light-hearted exchange during the 2014 Singapore Grand Prix, underscoring their familiar rapport. However, on the issue of Horner’s exit, Brundle offered a more serious viewpoint.
“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.”
He also indicated that Horner was not informed about the specific reasons behind his dismissal by the Red Bull management.
Implications for Red Bull and Max Verstappen’s Future
Christian Horner’s departure marks a significant shift in leadership for Red Bull Racing, a team that has experienced considerable success under his guidance. Laurent Mekies stepping in signals a fresh direction but also comes with pressure to stabilize team performance and internal dynamics. With Max Verstappen reportedly considering his options for 2026, this leadership shakeup could influence his decision and the broader competitive landscape of Formula 1.
As Red Bull continues to navigate this challenging period, the eyes of the motorsport world remain fixed on how the team will rebuild and whether Verstappen will remain loyal amid changing conditions.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is Max Verstappen’s baby daughter?
A. Max Verstappen is now a father! The 27-year-old Formula One racer has had his first child, a daughter named Lily, with his girlfriend Kelly Piquet. They shared the joyful news together in a post on Instagram.
Q. Is Penelope not Max Verstappen’s daughter?
A. “She’s incredible.” In 2025, Penelope became an older sister when Piquet and Verstappen had their first baby, a girl named Lily. Learn more about Penelope, from her interests to her close relationship with Max Verstappen.
Q. Who is Max Verstappen’s girlfriend’s baby daddy?
A. In July 2019, Piquet and F1 driver Daniil Kvyat had a daughter named Penelope while they were dating. The day after Penelope’s birth, Kvyat achieved his first podium finish 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 it well by saying he values the LGBTQ+ community, but observes it feels more like a trend every June. Eliza Burnett described this viewpoint as polite.