Christian Horner sacked by Red Bull in bombshell mid-season move

The Formula 1 world has been left reeling after Red Bull swung the axe in a mid-season move that nobody saw coming.

Red Bull have left jaws on the floor with the bombshell decision to part ways with team principal Christian Horner.

The shock axing comes a year after the Red Bull boss was embroiled in a sexting scandal that threatened to derail the team.

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News of Horner being axed began to swirl on social media before the team released a statement confirming the decision and announcing who would be taking his place.

“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff said in a statement.

“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.”

Laurent Mekies is set to take Horner’s place as the CEO of Red Bull Racing, stepping up from his role with the Racing Bulls team.

Horner is out as the Red Bull team principal. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP)

The news quickly sent the Formula 1 into a tailspin with fans left stunned by the mid-seaon axing of the team boss.

P1’s Matt Gallagher wrote on X: “Holy sh*t news just dropping that Christian Horner has been sacked!!!”

Another wrote: “Christian Horner FIRED?! WHAT!!!!”.

A third added: “This can’t be.”

Many however were quick to celebrate the instant dismissal of Horner who joined Red Bull in 2005 and played a key role as the outfit secured six Constructors’ titles and eight Drivers’ Championships.

The axing of Horner comes in the wake of legendary Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey departing the team last season to join Aston Martin and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley leaving to become the Sauber/Audi team principal.

Mekies will now be in charge when the Formula 1 paddock heads to Belgium for the next race in two weeks time.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 07: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner in the garage during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at the Miami International Autodrome on May 07, 2022 in Miami, Florida. Mark Thompson/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

Horner endured a turbulent past 18 months both on and off the track with allegations of inappropriate behaviour being levelled against him ahead of the 2024 season.

He was ultimately cleared of the allegations twice after a private independent investigation into alleged “coercive behaviour” towards an anonymous employee.

Red Bull electing to sever ties with Horner comes as rumours continue to swirl surrounding the future of four-time world champion Max Verstappen.

Verstappen, who is contracted until the end of 2028, has been linked with a blockbuster switch to Mercedes as Red Bull’s on track struggles continue to mount.

Speculation ramped up last year that Verstappen could force his way out in the wake of the Horner drama. Rumours have only intensified throughout this season with a contract clause exposing a potential escape plan for the 27-year-old.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has admitted to talks with Verstappen’s management team about making the switch as early as next season. Sky Sport Italy reported last week the matter had made it all the way to the Mercedes board for approval.

Verstappen refused to answer questions about his future at the weekend’s British Grand Prix.

The Dutchman’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, released a statement shortly after news of Horner’s axing was confirmed.

“We were informed in advance about this decision by RedBull management. It’s up to RedBull to expand on why they did this. We continue to focus on the sporting side and are looking for more performance so we can return to the top. In that sense, nothing changes,” Vermeulen said.