The Formula 1 world is in turmoil following a shocking report suggesting that long-time Red Bull Racing driver Christian Horner could be replaced. The report, which surfaced in late April, 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, and speculation about Horner’s future continues to mount.
Christian Horner has been Red Bull’s team director since 2005, leading the team to six constructors’ titles and eight drivers’ titles, including four in a row with Max Verstappen from 2021 to 2024. However, 2024 was a turbulent year for Horner, both on and off the track. An internal allegation of inappropriate behavior by a female employee led to an investigation, which cleared it up. However, the controversy has simmered, partly due to leaked news and a reopened employment investigation in January 2026. These matters weakened Horner’s position, despite support from Red Bull co-owner Chalerm Yoovidhya.
A recent report by Autosport reveals that Red Bull is holding internal discussions about a potential replacement for Horner, with current Racing Bulls team director 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 for the role. Sources within Red Bull, cited by De Telegraaf, claim that a growing number of team members support 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, appears to restore calm, but critics note that the lack of details doesn’t completely dispel the rumors.
Red Bull faces challenges ahead. After losing the Constructors’ title to McLaren in 2024, 2025 is 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” to the issues with the RB21 car, which is struggling with high tire wear on hot circuits. Meanwhile, McLaren is coming on strongly, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri seen as serious title contenders.
Tensions within Red Bull were 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 about 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 retained, but his contract includes a clause allowing him to leave if Marko leaves, further complicating Horner’s position. In Miami, Verstappen spoke out about McLaren’s penalty for manipulating tire temperatures after a sprint qualifying session in fourth place, but was diplomatic about Horner: “I’m focused on the race, not on rumors.” His loyalty clearly lies with the team, but his patience appears to be wearing thin.
The Formula 1 paddock is awash 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 due caution.
