F1 – Red Bull sacked Christian Horner, Formula One’s longest-serving active team principal and one of the most successful of all time, and replaced him yesterday with Racing Bulls’ Laurent Mekies.
Horner, 51, had been in position since Red Bull took over the Jaguar team and entered as a constructor in 2005.
Frenchman Mekies hands over at the Italy-based Racing Bulls sister team to Alan Permane, who was previously the racing director.
“Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing,” Red Bull said in a statement yesterday.
“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” said Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s CEO of 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 One.
“Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”
Horner, whose contract had been due to run until 2030, addressed the team and told them leading the team had been the biggest privilege of his life.
Sky Sports television commentator Martin Brundle, a former F1 racer, reported Horner told him “no reason was given” for being replaced.
Red Bull won eight Drivers’ World Championships – four with Sebastian Vettel and four with Max Verstappen – and six Constructors’ titles under Horner.
They have struggled this season with the team sitting fourth on 172 points in the constructors’ standings and trailing champions and leaders McLaren by 288.
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