Christian Horner released from operational duties at Red Bull F1

Christian Horner has been released from his operational duties at the Red Bull Formula 1 team — a decision that mirrors a similar situation 20 years ago when he first joined the team.

Tensions between the Milton Keynes factory and Red Bull headquarters in Salzburg became a major factor — a situation that deteriorated following the passing of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz.

“F1 is pretty brutal,” Horner recalled about his first day at Red Bull, when he witnessed his predecessor Tony Purnell leaving the building with a cardboard box containing his belongings.

Under Horner’s leadership, Red Bull achieved remarkable success by winning 124 of 405 races entered. However, a series of disappointing results this season and an exodus of key personnel — including Adrian Newey’s departure to Aston Martin — contributed to this decision.

Laurent Mekies has been appointed as Horner’s replacement, sparking speculation about the team’s future ahead of major F1 regulation changes and the Ford partnership in 2026.

Despite still being contracted until 2030, Horner, now 51, is expected to return to the F1 paddock — with Ferrari or Alpine as potential destinations.