Red Bull Cites Performance in Horner Dismissal

Christian Horner was dismissed from his positions as Red Bull Racing team principal and CEO after more than 20 years, with Red Bull management, led by Oliver Mintzlaff, attributing the decision to a decline in team performance. The team had slipped to fourth in the constructor’s standings, and Max Verstappen fell behind McLaren rivals in the drivers’ championship. Horner, who oversaw eight world titles for Red Bull, was succeeded by Laurent Mekies, who has reduced responsibilities. The team also lost key designer Adrian Newey, compounding instability within its ranks. Horner has suggested he may return to Formula One in a part-ownership or ownership capacity, and has been active on social media since his departure. Despite these changes, Verstappen won the sprint race at the Belgian Grand Prix, showing continued competitiveness.