The Formula 1 world is in turmoil following a shocking report suggesting that long-time Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner could be replaced. The report, which surfaced in late April, has prompted an official statement from Red Bull’s internal team addressing the situation. The news comes as Red Bull struggles with on-track performance and internal tensions, further fueling speculation over Horner’s future.

Christian Horner has been Red Bull’s team principal since 2005 and has led the team to six constructors’ titles and eight drivers’ titles, including four in a row with Max Verstappen from 2021 to 2024. However, 2024 has been a turbulent year for Horner, both on and off the track. An internal accusation of inappropriate conduct by a female employee led to an investigation, in which he was cleared. However, controversy has lingered, partly due to leaked messages and a reopened employment investigation expected in January 2026. These affairs have weakened Horner’s position, despite the support of Red Bull’s co-owner Chalerm Yoovidhya.

The recent report, published by Autosport, suggests that Red Bull is holding internal discussions about a potential replacement for Horner, with current Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies emerging as a possible successor. Mekies, who joined Red Bull’s sister team in 2023, has impressed with his strategic acumen and technical knowledge, qualities that make him well-suited to the role. Sources within Red Bull, cited by De Telegraaf, claim that a growing number of team members are backing Horner’s departure, partly due to tensions with advisor Helmut Marko and a series of controversial decisions, such as the hasty replacement of driver Liam Lawson after just two races in 2025.

Red Bull’s official statement, issued on May 5, 2025, was short and sweet: “Christian Horner remains our team principal and has the full support of the team. Speculation about his position is unfounded and we are focused on winning both championships in 2025.” The statement, signed by Horner and technical director Pierre Waché, seems intended to restore calm, but critics note that the lack of detail does not completely dispel the rumors.

On track, Red Bull is facing challenges. After losing the constructors’ title to McLaren in 2024, 2025 has gotten off to a slow start. Max Verstappen finished only sixth in Bahrain due to grip issues and slow pit stops, prompting a “crisis meeting” with Horner, Marko, Waché and engineer Paul Monaghan. Horner admitted there is “no quick fix” for the problems with the RB21 car, which struggles with high tire wear on hot circuits. Meanwhile, McLaren is performing strongly, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri seen as serious title contenders.

Tensions within Red Bull have been exacerbated by personnel changes, with designer Adrian Newey leaving for Aston Martin, and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley joining Audi’s F1 project. These losses, combined with Horner’s controversies, have led to speculation of instability. A source close to the team described the situation as “chaos”, while Verstappen’s father, Jos, warned that Red Bull could “fall apart” if Horner stays.

Max Verstappen himself has been restrained, but his contract contains a clause allowing him to leave if Marko goes, further complicating Horner’s position. In Miami, after a fourth-place sprint qualifying, Verstappen expressed frustration at McLaren’s penalty for tire temperature manipulation, but was diplomatic about Horner: “I focus on the racing, not on rumours.” His loyalty clearly lies with the team, but his patience appears to be waning.

The Formula 1 paddock is abuzz with speculation. McLaren boss Zak Brown, who previously suggested Horner was “vulnerable”, declined to comment, but insiders suggest Red Bull’s Austrian parent company will reconsider Horner’s fate in 2026 depending on the outcome of the employment investigation and the team’s performance. For now, Horner remains at the helm, but the pressure is immense. With 24 races in 2025 and a development war against McLaren, Horner’s leadership will be sorely tested. The Formula 1 world is watching with bated breath.