The Formula 1 world is in turmoil after a shocking report that suggests that Christian Horner, the long-term team boss of Red Bull Racing, may be replaced. The report, which appeared at the end of April 2025, led to an official statement from the internal team of Red Bull, in which the situation is addressed. This news comes at a time when Red Bull is struggling with performance on the track and internal tensions, which further stimulates the speculation about Horner’s future.

Christian Horner has been the team boss of Red Bull since 2005 and has led the team to six constructors and eight driver 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 accusation of inappropriate behavior by a employee led to an investigation, from which he was acquitted. Nevertheless, the controversy remained, partly due to leaked messages and a reopened employment law investigation that is expected in January 2026. These affairs have weakened Horners position, despite the support of Red Bull’s co-owner Chalerm Yoovidhya.

The recent report, published by Autosport, suggests that Red Bull is discussing a possible replacement of Horner, with Laurent Mekies, the current Racing Bulls team boss, as a possible successor. Mekies, who came to Red Bull’s sister team in 2023, made an impression with his strategic insight and technical knowledge, properties that make him suitable for the role. Sources within Red Bull, quoted by De Telegraaf, claim that a growing number of team members support Horner’s departure, partly due to tensions with adviser Helmut Marko and a series of controversial decisions, such as the rapid replacement of driver Liam Lawson after only two races in 2025.

Red Bull’s official statement, issued on May 5, 2025, was short but powerful: “Christian Horner remains our team boss and has the full support of the team. Speculations about his position are unfounded and we focus on winning both championships in 2025.” This statement, signed by Horner and technical director Pierre Waché, seems intended to restore the peace, but critics note that the lack of details did not fully invalidate the rumors.

Red Bull is struggling with challenges on the track. After the loss of the constructor title to McLaren in 2024, 2025 started difficult. Max Verstappen finished only sixth in Bahrain due to grip problems and slow pit stops, which led to a “crisis meeting” with Horner, Marko, Waché and Engineer Paul Monaghan. Horner admitted that there is “no quick solution” for the problems with the RB21 car, which has difficulty with the high tire wear on hot circuits. In the meantime, McLaren is performing strongly, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as serious title candidates.

Tensions within Red Bull are exacerbated by personnel changes. Designer Adrian Newey left for Aston Martin, and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley joins 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 can “fall apart” if Horner remains.

Max Verstappen himself has been reserved, but his contract contains a clause that allows him to leave when Marko goes, which further complicates Horner’s position. In Miami, after a fourth place in the sprint qualification, Verstappen expressed his frustration about McLaren’s punishment for tire temperature manipulation, but remained diplomatic about Horner: “I focus on racing, not on rumors.” His loyalty is clearly with the team, but his patience seems to decrease.

The Formula 1 Paddock is buzzing with speculation. McLaren boss Zak Brown, who previously suggested that Horner is “vulnerable”, refused comments, but insiders suggest that Red Bull’s Austrian parent company will reconsider Horner’s Lot in 2026, depending on the outcome of the work law research and the performance of the team. 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 put to the test. The Formula 1 world looks tense.