Red Bull Ends 20-Year Horner Tenure, Appoints Mekies Amid Team Uncertainty

Christian Horner's unexpected sacking as Red Bull Racing's team principal after 20 years marks a significant transition for the Formula 1 powerhouse he built, which won eight Drivers’ and six Constructors’ Championships under his leadership. His departure has raised concerns about the team's stability and performance, especially as Red Bull has slipped to fourth in the constructors’ standings, with experts like Jacques Villeneuve highlighting the challenges new team principal Laurent Mekies faces amid an already struggling team. Max Verstappen, Red Bull's star driver, who has been a four-time consecutive champion, expressed respect for Horner and emphasized focusing on the future despite the upheaval. The Belgian Grand Prix is the first since Horner's exit, and the team is under pressure to navigate this post-Horner era effectively, as key figures and media closely watch how Mekies will manage the situation. Villeneuve and others suggest that losing Horner, alongside previous departures like chief technical officer Adrian Newey, may destabilize the team temporarily, impacting morale and performance. Overall, Red Bull faces a tough road ahead to sustain its dominance in Formula 1 without the leader who was instrumental in its rise.