Dramatic turn of events in Formula 1 at Red Bull

Red Bull is sacking Christian Horner with immediate effect. The British boss is to step down as team headmaster after 20 years at the helm of the team.

As head of the team, Christian Horner left his mark on Formula 1 with two successful stints, from 2010 to 2013 with Sebastian Vettel and from 2021 to 2024 with Max Verstappen.

In total, he has won eight drivers' titles and six constructors' titles. From the next Belgian GP, in a fortnight' time, Laurent Mekies will take over the reins of the team. The decision was taken by Red Bull's parent company and its Managing Director of Sports Projects, Oliver Mintzlaff.

Horner was close to the previous management team. In recent months, Horner had had to overcome a number of problems, including accusations of harassment in the workplace by a former team employee, the departure of staff such as Adrian Newey, the technical director, Jonathan Weathley, the sporting director and Rob Marshall, head of aerodynamics, and above all the risk of losing the team's star driver Max Verstappen.

In its press release, Red Bull said: "Christian Horner's tireless commitment, expertise and innovative spirit have helped to make Red Bull one of the most successful and attractive teams in F1. Thank you for everything Christian, you will always remain an important part of the team's history."

(MH with MaSi - Source : Eurosport - Photo : © Unsplash)