Christian Horner has been sacked as Team Principal of the Red Bull Formula 1 team after 20 years in the job.
F1 reporter Erik van Haren from Holland’s De Telegraf has posted on his X account that the 51-year-old is to be removed from his post, and the staff at the team’s Milton Keynes based have been informed.
The bomb has dropped at Red Bull Racing,” van Haren wrote. “Team boss and CEO Christian Horner has been sacked after more than 20 years.”
Red Bull has now confirmed the move, staying that Horner was “released from his operational duties with effect from today”.
Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of Red Bull’s statellite outfit Racing Bulls, will take Horner’s place as Team Principal and CEO.
Alan Permane, who was Racing Director at the Faenza-based squad, takes over as Racing Bulls boss.
“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 1.
“Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”
Horner has been the subject of numerous reports in recent months regarding his future and authority within the team.
After allegations were made about his private life, Horner was said to have come under pressure from certain circles around the team, including lead driver Max Verstappen’s father Jos.
In a communication released by Racing Bulls, new boss Mekies has said: “The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter [Bayer].
“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.
“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 success.”
Permane added his own sentiments, saying: “I feel very honoured to take on the role as Team Principal and would like to thank Oliver and Helmut for the trusrt they have shown in me.
“I am looking forward to working with Peter to cotinue 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.”