Christian Horner was on Wednesday sacked by Red Bull after a hugely successful 20 years as team principal of the Formula One outfit.
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The 51-year-old has been in charge since the team was formed in 2005 and led them to eight drivers' titles and six constructors' crowns.
Dutchman Max Verstappen has won the past four drivers' titles for Red Bull, matching the achievement of Sebastian Vettel, who dominated for the team from 2010 to 2013.
After 20 years with the Team, Christian Horner departs Oracle Red Bull Racing as Team Principal and CEO.
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) July 9, 2025
We thank him for his tireless and exceptional work. He has been instrumental in building this Team into one of the most successful in F1, with eight Drivers' Championships… pic.twitter.com/9SyqjSBvEG
Horner broke down in tears as he informed the team's workforce of the news of his departure at the team's base in Milton Keynes on Wednesday, according to British media reports.
Horner's dismissal as CEO and team principal comes 17 months after he was accused by a woman colleague of "inappropriate behaviour".
The Englishman was twice cleared over the claims by the Formula One team's parent company, Red Bull GmbH, and his wife, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, stood by him.
But there have been rumblings of discontent within the team, with several high-profile departures, while form on the track has nose-dived.
"Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing," said a statement from Red Bull GmbH.
Verstappen tweeted his reaction several hours after the announcement.
"From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes," he wrote on X.
"Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!"
From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian! pic.twitter.com/au4XjMqhlH
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) July 9, 2025
Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects and investments, paid tribute to Horner, thanking him for his "exceptional work".
"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," he said.
"Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history."
20 years, countless memories. Thank you, Christian from all of us at Red Bull Racing 💙 pic.twitter.com/yp2z5vbMrF
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) July 9, 2025
'DIFFICULT TO DRIVE'
Horner's departure comes amid speculation that Verstappen may be tempted to jump ship to Mercedes.
Although the 27-year-old Dutchman won the title last year, he only topped the podium twice in the final 14 races of the season.
Red Bull have won only two races this season, with McLaren taking their place as the team to beat.
Verstappen is languishing 69 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri at the halfway point of the campaign and finished a disappointing fifth at Sunday's British Grand Prix, having started on pole.
He showed frustration with his Red Bull during the race, saying: "This car is just so difficult to drive."
Other key figures responsible for the team's previous dominance have left since last year including design guru Adrian Newey, who signed for Aston Martin, and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, who joined Sauber.
Max Verstappen's father Jos, a former F1 driver, had expressed his dissatisfaction with Horner even after he was cleared of the charges of inappropriate behaviour.
He warned the team was in danger of being "torn apart" if Horner remained.
Mekies, who has been promoted from Red Bull's second team, Racing Bulls, has had a long career in Formula One, previously working as racing director for Ferrari.
"I am excited to be taking on the role of CEO and team principal," the 48-year-old Frenchman said in a statement.
"It's an honour to be part of this group of brilliant people that embody the Red Bull spirit. Together we will achieve great results, building on the incredible legacy left by Christian Horner during his two decades in charge."
The Team can confirm that Laurent Mekies has been appointed to the role of CEO and Team Principal of the Team with immediate effect 🤝 pic.twitter.com/hD4WdC1feS
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) July 9, 2025