Red Bull Racing issued its first official response to Christian Horner's dismissal on Wednesday afternoon. In a brief statement, the team expressed its gratitude to Horner, acknowledging his two decades of leadership at the helm of one of Formula 1’s most successful teams.
Red Bull finally reacts to Horner's Dismissal
“After 20 years with the Team, Christian Horner departs Oracle Red Bull Racing as Team Principal and CEO," the statement begins.
"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 and six Constructors' Championships."
The team concluded with a personal message: “Thank you for everything, Christian, you will forever remain an important part of our team's history."
Horner was officially relieved of his duties on Wednesday morning by Red Bull GmbH's top management.
He will be succeeded by
Laurent Mekies, formerly the team principal of sister outfit Racing Bulls, who now steps in as CEO of Red Bull Racing.
Alan Permane will take over Mekies’ role as team principal at Racing Bulls.
Horner has been at the head of the team since 2005 and was closely involved in the development of Red Bull Racing and the world titles with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. In 2024, he came under pressure again due to internal tensions and disappointing results.