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While Horner has been removed from his role, it has not been made clear if he has formally departed the company or if a settlement or severance is in place.<\/p>\n
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen thanked Horner on social media. <\/p>\n
“From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records,” Verstappen said., external<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Englishman Horner will be replaced as team principal and chief executive of Red Bull Racing by Laurent Mekies, who has been promoted from second team Racing Bulls.<\/p>\n The 48-year-old Frenchman had been in the role since the start of the 2024 season and was previously racing director for Ferrari.<\/p>\n Englishman Alan Permane, 58, has been promoted to team principal of Racing Bulls from his position as racing director.<\/p>\n Under Horner, Sebastian Vettel won the drivers’ championship from 2010 to 2013, with Verstappen winning the past four titles.<\/p>\n “We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” said Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s chief executive of corporate projects and investments.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n “Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”<\/p>\n Horner’s dismissal comes amid uncertainty about the future of star driver Verstappen.<\/p>\n The four-time world champion is under contract to Red Bull until 2028 but is being courted by Mercedes<\/a> to potentially join them for next season.<\/p>\n Red Bull have won only two races this season, with McLaren taking over their position as the team to beat.<\/p>\n Red Bull’s decline began in the middle of last season. While Verstappen won his fourth straight world title, he won only twice in the final 14 races.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n