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Newsweek
a day ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Mekies Reveals Last Minute Phone Call to Replace Horner as Red Bull F1 CEO
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The new CEO and team principal of Red Bull Racing, Laurent Mekies, has opened up about the last-minute phone call he received about his promotion from the team's senior advisor, Helmut Marko, and the managing director of Red Bull GmbH, Oliver Mintzlaff, hours before the news of Christian Horner's ousting broke. Horner served Red Bull for 20 years as the team's first team principal, a partnership that saw eight drivers' titles and six Constructors' Championships. However, following a challenging period of around eighteen months, Red Bull decided to part ways with Horner. While the Milton Keynes-based team did not reveal the reason for the major decision, Marko revealed in a separate interview that several factors led to Horner's exit, with the topmost among them being performance. He said: "This was the result of various factors, but above all, the performance wasn't quite as good as it could have been. Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing speaks in the Team Principals Press Conference during Sprint qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 25, 2025... Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing speaks in the Team Principals Press Conference during Sprint qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 25, 2025 in Spa, Belgium. More"Fortunately, we were able to bring Laurent Mekies into the family. His responsibilities will be significantly reduced, with the main focus being on racing." Mekies comes with a proven track record of leading Red Bull's junior F1 team, Racing Bulls, which he joined in 2023. The call for a promotion to Red Bull caught him by surprise, much like everybody else. Speaking about the phone call that elevated his position to lead one of F1's most successful teams, Mekies told the media at Spa Francorchamps: "Well, it was not very different for me than it was for you, really, guys. I got a call a few hours before you guys were made aware. I got a call from Oliver and Helmut and they asked me if I would be interested to do the job. "Obviously, it came out of the blue at that moment for me. I was actually in the UK at Racing Bulls and it came in a completely unexpected way. I actually asked them to think about it for a few hours and hung up the phone. It's difficult to digest." Revealing his thoughts that pushed him to take on the new role, Mekies said: "But the first thing that comes into your mind is, 'Wait a second. It's Red Bull. They are calling you. They ask you to step in to do that job, with everything that Red Bull means – its energy, its spirit, how they go about their racing teams' and that's how you pick up the phone and you say, 'Of course, it's an honour. It's a privilege.'" Despite the big moment for Mekies, he didn't hold back from giving due credit to the person who brought him to the Red Bull family - Horner. Mekies added: "First thought obviously goes in this moment as well to Christian because it's not something I could have expected. And he had been nothing else than extremely supportive with me these last two years. "It's not a secret that he's the one with Oliver and Helmut that brought me back to the Red Bull family a couple of years ago. So that's the sort of mix of emotions you get at that moment. "But as I said, the dominant one is it's Red Bull calling. I guess it's a matter of loyalty to go towards the brand and you just say, 'Of course, if you think you need me there, I will go there'."
Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Christian Horner 'betrayed' by Red Bull as details of sacking emerge
Christian Horner was sacked as the team principal of Red Bull earlier this month after more than two decades with the Formula One team Christian Horner has allegedly been left feeling "betrayed" following Red Bull's decision to axe him after two decades as team principal of the Formula One powerhouse. The 51-year-old was dramatically ousted from his role earlier this month in a stunning announcement from the energy drinks giant. Laurent Mekies, Racing Bulls chief, was appointed as his successor as the motorsport world reeled from the exit of a figure who had steered the team since their F1 debut in 2005. The choice to part company with Horner arrived 18 months after he became embroiled in a WhatsApp controversy. An unidentified female Red Bull staff member alleged 'inappropriate conduct', which Horner strongly refuted. Purported messages attributed to Horner were disclosed to media outlets and team personnel in the paddock, leading to an internal investigation, but he was exonerated of any misconduct. Nevertheless, just one season on, his Red Bull journey has reached a brutal conclusion. Close associates of the motorsport chief have now voiced concerns about his dismissal, with Horner allegedly feeling "betrayed" by the F1 outfit. One confidant revealed to SunSport:"Christian told me how hurt and betrayed he felt after all that he and Geri and their family have been through over the past 18 months. He was cleared twice over the texting scandal but is now on gardening leave." A source close to the situation alleges that Horner walked into the London meeting completely unaware of his impending fate. He was purportedly "dumbfounded" upon learning he had been sacked, with a family friend stating that Horner thought he was there to discuss a different matter. While Horner's future in F1 remains uncertain, his achievements haven't gone unnoticed by Max Verstappen, who expressed gratitude to his former boss in a heartfelt social media post. The four-time world champion shared: "From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!" In the statement on Horner's sacking, Red Bull said: "After 20 years with the Team, Christian Horner departs Oracle Red Bull Racing as Team Principal and CEO. We thank him for his tireless and exceptional work. "He has been instrumental in building this Team into one of the most successful in F1, with eight Drivers' Championships and six Constructors' Championships. Thank you for everything Christian, you will forever remain an important part of our team's history."
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Sacked Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner's wife Geri Horner hit by £1 million debt
Image credit: Getty Images Christian Horner is going through a challenging time both professionally and personally. In addition to being sacked by Red Bull as Team Principal, Horner recently lost his first wife Beverley Allen to cancer. It has now come to light that his second wife, Geri Horner, is facing financial troubles, with her book company reportedly in £1 million debt, according to The Standard. While Horner may not be directly involved in the company's operations, the situation is still a matter of concern for the family. Christian Horner's second wife Geri Halliwell Horner facing debt According to The Mirror, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, now known as Geri Horner, has seen her company, Falcon Queen Productions, incur losses for some time, with its deficit rising from £276,000 to £750,000. However, her larger company, Wonderful Productions, generated more than £2 million in revenue up to August last year. Founded in 1997, the company derives income from her music royalties and brand deals. Just days before Christian Horner was sacked by Red Bull, his first wife and the mother of his daughter, Beverley Allen, passed away from eye cancer. The couple shared an 11-year-old daughter and had separated in 2014. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Christian Horner's exit from Red Bull Multiple factors are believed to have contributed to Christian Horner's dismissal after a successful 20-year tenure. These include the significant power he held as Team Principal, misconduct allegations made by a Red Bull employee, and the underperformance of the current F1 car. Horner shared a heartfelt message on social media following his departure from Red Bull. He wrote, 'After an incredible journey of twenty years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the Team I have absolutely loved.' After thanking his colleagues and rivals, the 51-year-old concluded, 'It's been an honour to be part of this incredible era of motorsport. I leave with immense pride in what we've achieved and also with what's in the pipeline for 2026 — and huge respect for everyone who's made F1 the pinnacle it is today.' Also Read: Before losing job at Red Bull, Christian Horner faced personal tragedy as first wife died of cancer During Horner's tenure, Red Bull achieved significant milestones: 6 Constructors' Championships, 8 Drivers' Championships, 124 race victories, 12 sprint wins, 287 podiums, 107 pole positions, and over 100 fastest laps. Horner has been replaced by Racing Bulls Team Principal Laurent Mekies. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
First Post
12-07-2025
- Sport
- First Post
Christian Horner Sacked by Red Bull, Verstappen the Real Reason?
Christian Horner Sacked by Red Bull, Verstappen the Real Reason? | First Sports With Rupha Ramani Christian Horner Sacked by Red Bull, Verstappen the Real Reason? | First Sports With Rupha Ramani | N18G In a shocking move, Red Bull have SACKED team principal Christian Horner after nearly two decades at the helm. The mastermind behind the team's dominance with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen is gone — without an explanation. But is this really about performance or pressure from the Verstappen camp? With Red Bull falling behind in both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships, and tensions boiling over after the recent scandal, Rupha Ramani breaks down the power play that may have pushed Horner out — and why this might be a desperate move to keep Verstappen from jumping ship to Mercedes. Did Red Bull choose glory over loyalty and was Horner a scapegoat to save Max? See More
Newsweek
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
F1 Insider Claims Horner's Exit Has Verstappen Rethinking Red Bull Future
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Red Bull's ousting of Christian Horner may have caused Max Verstappen to rethink his future in the team, according to former driver and Sky Germany reporter Ralf Schumacher. Horner headed Red Bull Racing for 20 years, contributing immensely to the team's six Constructors' Championships and eight drivers' titles. The reason for his exit has not been revealed yet. Horner leaves at a crucial juncture in F1, as Red Bull faces challenges with its RB21 F1 car, and for the first time in the current ground effect era that began in 2022, Verstappen is not leading the Drivers' Championship. In addition, Red Bull is developing its own power units for its 2026 car, collaborating with Ford under the Red Bull Powertrains banner - a feat that has never been attempted before by the energy drink brand. With Horner's exit, the status of its development remains to be seen, especially since most F1 teams are expected to shortly stop the development of the 2025 car and switch focus to the 2026 car. Verstappen has pledged his loyalty to Red Bull, as his contract lasts until the end of 2028, but Horner's exit means that things won't be the same as they were within the team. The four-time world champion's links to Mercedes have grown stronger in recent weeks, and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff's acknowledgment of talks with Verstappen has only strengthened the prospect of the Dutch driver's potential Red Bull exit. Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Christian Horner, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia... Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Christian Horner, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on April 18, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. MoreSchumacher believes that Horner's exit could push Verstappen to rethink his future in the team, even though they were "not the best of friends." He told Sky Deutschland: "I think one thing has nothing to do with the other, that the two might not have been the best of friends. But that wasn't what Max was talking about. Max obviously wants to stay at Red Bull if at all possible, because that's where it all started, and he owes a lot to Red Bull. "But I fear this valley that Red Bull is going through now will last a while. That usually takes – in Formula 1 history – two or three years. Now, of course, one thing could happen: new rules next year, and they'll find a great approach. I'm just lacking imagination, because [Pierre] Wache hasn't managed to make the car really drivable and good for two or one and a half years now. "So I still believe that Max is very strongly thinking about leaving Red Bull, and more than ever after this weekend."
