Horner axed by Red Bull in F1 bombshell

Red Bull Racing has sacked inaugural team principal Christian Horner, effective immediately.

Laurent Mekies, who was in charge of sister team Racing Bulls, has been named as Horner's replacement, while RB's racing director Alan Permane will be promoted.

Horner has been at the helm of Red Bull since the team's arrival on the grid in 2005, leading the team to six constructors' championships and eight drivers' titles in that period.

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Up until last weekend's British Grand Prix, Horner had been the longest-serving current team principal in Formula 1

"We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years," Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff said.

"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."

Rumours around Horner's future at the team have been swirling for the last 18 months, with reports that the 51-year-old has lost the support of Red Bull's shareholders.

Last year, following an internal investigation into dismissed misconduct allegations levelled at him, it appeared Horner was on the chopping block.

However, despite facing external scrutiny and calls for him to step down, Horner remained in charge. He denied the accusations of inappropriate behaviour throughout.

Stuck in a performance dip, Red Bull is no longer the unbeatable force that it was in recent years.

While still spearheaded by four-time reigning champion Max Verstappen, the team was pipped by McLaren for the 2024 constructors' championship and is flailing in third position at the halfway point of this season.

Horner's exit adds to several high-profile departures at the Milton Keynes squad, including chief technical officer and design guru Adrian Newey to Aston Martin and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley to Sauber.

Horner was contracted with Red Bull until the 2030 F1 season.