Christian Horner has been released from his operational duties as the boss of Red Bull.

A remarkable piece of news marks the conclusion of the lengthiest tenure held by a Formula One team principal in the sport’s history. This development follows closely on the heels of a scandal that gripped the individual last year, involving messages he allegedly sent to a female staff member.

Red Bull issued a statement confirming the news, reading: ‘Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today, Wednesday 9 July 2025, and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing.’

Horner’s former Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell stood by her husband after the explosive accusations rocked the Formula One paddock last year. Horner has vehemently denied the claims. 

Screenshots of alleged WhatsApp messages between Horner and a Red Bull employee were leaked anonymously the day after a three-week investigation, carried out externally, cleared the 51-year-old of all allegations.

Horner survived accusations of coercive behaviour towards his colleague – and was twice cleared in internal investigations of wrongdoing. 

Christian Horner is set to be axed by his Formula One team Red Bull today (pictured with former Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell)

Halliwell was at Silverstone earlier in the week as she continues to stand by Horner 

The 51-year-old helped Red Bull to win six Constructors’ titles in 13 years as pit boss

In the midst of the controversy, he was told by his wife, Spice Girl Halliwell, to make the controversy ‘all go away’ – a feat he pulled off for 16 months. 

The file allegedly containing texts and images was leaked to almost 200 people involved in the sport, including owners Liberty Media, team principals and the media.

Horner was then exonerated for a second time after the female employee appealed against the findings of the investigation, which were upheld. 

An independent lawyer interviewed Horner for almost nine hours, it is understood. 

Netflix’s most recent series of its hugely-successful Drive to Survive programme revealed Horner’s immediate reaction to the bombshell news of the texts being leaked. 

‘The higher you rise, the sharper the knives,’ he said.

‘I’ve reached the top of my game and I never thought in a million years I’d have a challenge like this in my career,’ Horner continued. ‘It’s a crucial time of year, in a job that I do, you’re the front face of the organisation. 

‘You can either hide away or you can get out there and face it.’ 

Helmut Marko (left) is thought to have been informed of the decision and is said to be in support of the move

The Austrian side have appointed Laurent Mekies as their CEO to replace Horner 

On the track, Horner defiantly responded to the scandal by helping Verstappen deliver a fourth-successive world championship, although Red Bull fell short of the constructors’ title to rivals McLaren.

That appeared to be the beginning of the end of Red Bull’s sporting dominance, with McLaren now 288 points ahead of them in the constructors’ standings for the 2025 season. 

Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO Corporate Projects and Investments thanked Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.

Mintzlafff said: ‘We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. 

‘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 has been at the top of the team since its inception in 2005, and has led them in two phases to world championship success through Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ championships.

Horner is now replaced by Mekies, who will take over the duties of CEO at Red Bull Racing, with Alan Permane, currently Racing Director, to be promoted to Team Principal at Racing Bulls.

‘The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter,’ said Mekies.

Halliwell had stood by Horner in the wake of the explosive accusations that rocked F1 

‘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 successes.’

Permane added: ‘I feel very honoured to take on the role as Team Principal and would like to thank Oliver and Helmut for the trust they have shown in me. 

‘I am looking forward to working with Peter to continue 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.’

But, with results poor, his star driver Max Verstappen unhappy with progress, he has now paid the price.

His £12million-a-year job was secured by support from the Thai majority owners of Red Bull but that seems to have worn out.

He was in charge at Silverstone only this past weekend, seemingly master of all he surveys, including at the annual Clay Day event last Wednesday, close to his own country house in Oxfordshire.

Red Bull have been contacted for comment but have not responded.

Red Bull Racing’s PR department are being sidelined in this debacle. An email has arrived directing all media inquiries to be addressed to their parent energy drinks company in Austria.