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Horner is leaving Red Bull after 20 years: what does that mean for Verstappen?
Christian Horner is stepping down as team boss of Red Bull Racing after 20 years. Verstappen thanks everyone for their shared successes.
Horner is leaving Red Bull after 20 years: what does that mean for Verstappen?
On July 9, 2025, the Formula 1 world was shocked when it was announced that Christian Horner was stepping down as team boss and CEO of Red Bull Racing after over 20 years. This decision came as a surprise as Horner had led the team with an impressive track record since its inception. Loud vol.at The resignation was confirmed on Wednesday with immediate effect. Laurent Mekies, who previously worked for sister team Racing Bulls, will take over the management of the team.
Max Verstappen, who won four drivers' titles in a row under Horner from 2021 to 2024 and celebrated a total of 65 Grand Prix victories, paid respect to Horner in a personal message on social media. He thanked him for the “unforgettable races” and the “countless records” they set together. Raymond Vermeulen, Verstappen's manager, however, expressed himself coolly and made it clear that the team was informed of the decision in advance. Vermeulen is already focusing on the sporting side and hopes for continued better performance.
A profound turning point for Red Bull Racing
Horner's resignation is seen as a crucial turning point in the history of Red Bull Racing. Under his leadership, the team was able to win six Constructors Championships, which underlines Horner's high status within the racing team. The interaction between Horner and Verstappen marked a successful era that has now ended. Verstappen is currently in third place in the drivers' championship, behind Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, while Red Bull Racing is fourth in the constructors' championship usatoday.com reported.
The split also came due to a health distancing from Chalerm Yoovidhya, the team's Thai majority owner. This development shows that changes within the team management can have not only sporting but also strategic reasons. Horner, who was considered one of the team's public faces, will likely leave a void that will be difficult to fill.
What does the role of a team leader mean?
The tasks of a Formula 1 team boss are varied and complex. After formula1.de The team boss is the top decision-maker of a racing team and acts as a contact person for both the FIA and other teams. In addition, there is responsibility for team performance and profitability as well as creating a motivating work environment. In modern Formula 1, many team bosses are employed executives who are no longer directly involved in racing operations, which underlines the need for a clear strategic direction.
With Laurent Mekies now at the helm of Red Bull Racing and Alan Permane as the new engineer for the sister team Racing Bulls, a new course is being taken that must be geared to the sporting ambitions and challenges of the coming seasons.