Red Bull Sacks Horner, Appoints Mekies CEO Amid Team Crisis

Red Bull Racing has replaced long-time team principal Christian Horner, who was sacked after 20 years leading the team to six Constructors' and eight Drivers' Championships. Horner's dismissal comes amid the team's current struggles, sitting fourth in the constructors' standings and facing internal challenges, including a tense relationship with driver Max Verstappen and a mass exodus of key personnel. Laurent Mekies, formerly head of Red Bull's sister team Racing Bulls and with extensive Formula 1 experience including roles at Toro Rosso, the FIA, and Ferrari, has been appointed as the new CEO and team principal. Mekies brings a wealth of technical and managerial expertise, having been involved in safety improvements during his time at the FIA and sporting director and race director roles at Ferrari. Despite some controversy in his career, Mekies is seen as a potentially stabilizing figure to guide Red Bull through this difficult phase. The leadership change marks a significant shift for Red Bull Racing as they aim to regain their dominant position in Formula 1.