There has been a massive shake-up in F1.
Wednesday, Red Bull Racing announced it has parted ways with Team Principal Christian Horner. The decision comes after Horner spent 20 years holding the principal position with the racing team.
After 20 years with the Team, Christian Horner departs Oracle Red Bull Racing as Team Principal and CEO.
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) July 9, 2025
We thank him for his tireless and exceptional work. He has been instrumental in building this Team into one of the most successful in F1, with eight Drivers' Championships… pic.twitter.com/9SyqjSBvEG
The decision comes at a massive juncture as Max Verstappen's Red Bull contract includes an exit clause. The change at the top of the team's organization could be the first domino.
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Here is more on why Red Bull fired its longtime principal.
Why did Red Bull fire Christian Horner?
Red Bull did not offer a reason for the decision in its official statement, instead saying that Horner will “forever remain an important part of our team history.”
With that in mind, Horner's firing marks the latest in a massive upheaval that has been ongoing throughout the team for the past 18 months. The team has lost a car designer and sporting director, both changes coming in the wake of Dietrich Mateschitz's death.
In Red Bull's statement, Horner was thanked for "his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking."
Red Bull experienced great success during Horner's 20 years at the helm, but his last days will be remembered for being mired in uncertainty. With Verstappen declining to confirm his commitment to Red Bull for 2026, Horner spent time at the British Grand Prix answering questions about the superstar's future.
It is unclear what type of impact the Horner decision will have on Verstappen's future.
Christian Horner allegations of 'inappropriate behavior'
Red Bull's announcement comes over a year after Horner faced allegations of "inappropriate behavior" toward a female colleague.
Last year, Red Bull's parent company opened an internal investigation into the allegations. More allegations were made through the Dutch publication, De Telegraaf. Horner is believed to have taken legal action against the newspaper.
Throughout the process, Horner denied any wrongdoing, saying, "I deny the allegations that have been made but I'm going through a process and respect that process."
On Feb. 28, 2024, a Red Bull spokesperson stated that "The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a right of appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial."
Horner was not suspended at any point during the investigation