Christian Horner: Red Bull F1 team principal sacked after 20 years in charge of Milton Keynes outfit

Christian Horner has been sacked by Red Bull with immediate effect after 20 years as team principal of the Formula 1 team, according to Sky Sports.

Horner has been in charge of Red Bull since 2005, leading them to six constructors and eight drivers' championships.

Speaking on Sky Sports News immediately after the announcement, Sky Sports F1's Martin Brundle said Horner had told him "no reason was given to him" for his release. Red Bull's statement did not give a reason.

Laurent Mekies has been appointed as CEO of Red Bull Racing, stepping up from the Racing Bulls team where Alan Permane will now take charge.

"We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years," said Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff.

"With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.

"Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history."

Horner has overseen two periods of dominance by Red Bull in Formula 1, with Sebastian Vettel and the team winning four consecutive drivers' and constructors' championships from 2010-2013 and Max Verstappen winning the last four drivers' championships from 2021-2024. Red Bull were also constructors' champions in 2022 and 2023.

Horner has faced a turbulent last 18 months on and off the track.

Allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against him in February 2024 by a female colleague were dismissed following an appeal last summer. Horner denied the accusations throughout.

McLaren have usurped Red Bull as the dominant team in F1 while several high-profile figures have left the Milton Keynes outfit over the past 18 months, including legendary designer Adrian Newey to Aston Martin and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley to Sauber.

Horner's last race in charge was Sunday's British GP at Silverstone, where Verstappen started on pole position but finished fifth after a spin in the wet.

Four-time champion Verstappen is 69 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri at the halfway point of the season.

Red Bull are currently fourth in the constructors' standings, 288 points behind leaders McLaren, with Ferrari and Mercedes also ahead of them in the standings.

Verstappen has scored 165 of Red Bull's 172 points this season. Rookie Liam Lawson was dropped as the Dutchman's team-mate after just two races while Yuki Tsunoda has also struggled in the second Red Bull car and been the last driver to finish in the last two races.