Laurent Mekies has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer at Red Bull with immediate effect, with Christian Horner sacked as Team Principal after 20 years.
The change in CEO comes amidst a difficult season for the Austrian team who lie fourth in the constructors’ standings, whilst reigning four-time champion, Max Verstappen is 69 points off championship leader, Oscar Piastri.
Red Bull bosses consequently opted for a change to try and revive their season with Mekies promoted from his position as Racing Bulls’ Team Principal to become CEO at the senior team with immediate effect, although his role was officially expanded hours later to include Team Principal.
Reflecting on his 18 months in charge of Racing Bulls, Mekies described the job as “an absolute privilege” alongside CEO, Peter Bayer.
“The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter. It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people. The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning.”
Racing Bulls have confirmed that Alan Permane will succeed Mekies which the Frenchman has welcomed with delight.
“Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path. He knows the team inside out and has always been an important pillar of our early successes.”
Permane spoke of pride at his latest opportunity as he thanked Oliver Mintzlaff and Helmut Marko for entrusting him with the role.
“I feel very honoured to take on the role as Team Principal and would like to thank Oliver and Helmut for the trust they have shown in me.
“I am looking forward to working with Peter to continue the good work that both him and Laurent have done in taking this team forward. This is a new challenge for me, but I know that I can count on the support of everyone within them.”
With Mekies taking charge at Red Bull as CEO, the constructor decided to part company with current Team Principal, Christian Horner after he spent 20 years at the helm – having been part of the team since it first arrived in F1,
During his time in charge, Horner led Red Bull to eight driver titles as Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen both won four titles apiece, alongside six constructor titles.
“Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday 9 July 2025) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing,” confirmed a Red Bull Spokesperson in a relatively brief statement.
“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” added Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s CEO Corporate Projects and Investments
“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.”
Horner’s departure also comes one year after Red Bull cleared him of wrongdoing after a scandal broke out concerning inappropriate behaviour between the 51-year-old and a female employee.
Taking to Instagram hours after confirmation of his exit, Horner paid tribute to the team for their efforts over the last two decades, and acknowledged their rivals who motivated them throughout his time in charge.
“After an incredible journey of twenty years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the Team I have absolutely loved. Every one of you, the amazing people at the factory, have been the heart and soul of everything that we have achieved.
“Win and lose, every step of the way, we have stood by each other as one and I will never forget that. It’s been a privilege being part of and leading this epic Team and I am so proud of our collective accomplishments and you all.
“Thanks to the amazing partners and fans who enabled us to go racing. Your support has helped grow the team from its humble beginnings to an F1 powerhouse that laid claim to 6 Constructors Championships and 8 Drivers Championships.
“Equally, thank you to our rivals, with whom there would be no racing at all. You’ve pushed us, challenged us, and enabled us to achieve accolades we never dreamed possible. The competition has made every victory sweeter and every setback an opportunity to develop and grow.
“Formula 1 is a sport built on relentless ambition, passion, and respect. The rivalries have been fierce, but the mutual drive to innovate and raise the bar is what has made this journey so special.
“It’s been an honour to be part of this incredible era of motorsport. I leave with immense pride in what we’ve achieved and also with what’s in the pipeline for 2026 — and huge respect for everyone who’s made F1 the pinnacle it is today.”
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Red Bull’s final race under Horner’s helm came at the British Grand Prix where Verstappen finished fifth after recovering from a spin on a safety car restart, whilst Yuki Tsunoda could only manage 15th as the slowest classified finisher albeit the only driver to be lapped once in the race.
Verstappen paid tribute to Horner for his two-decade service to Red Bull, as he thanked him for helping himself and the team achieve “incredible successes.”
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