Christian Horner has been sacked by Red Bull today.
The F1 team have confirmed his departure in a statement, saying: "Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday 9 July 2025) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing.
"We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.
"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.
Christian Horner is reportedly set to be sacked by Red Bull today
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"Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history."
The Briton had been the longest-serving team principal in Formula One, with his departure set to take place a year on from a scandal involving alleged inappropriate texts to a female employee.
Horner came through that scandal and has been present at every race this season, having always denied any wrongdoing.
German newspaper BILD have claimed that Red Bull are currently negotiating the termination of Horner's contract, in a move that will send shockwaves around the F1 community.
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Horner is said to have said his goodbyes to staff at the team's factory in Milton Keynes at 10am this morning.
The Red Bull chief has been operating in his role since 2005, with the team winning eight drivers' champions and six constructors' championships during that spell.
Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen won four crowns each under Horner's guidance.
Last year, when Horner was alleged to have sent inappropriate text messages to a female employee, the 51-year-old was always adamant he'd be able to clear his name.
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Christian Horner was supported by wife Geri Halliwell when he was accused of sending text messages to a female employee at Red Bull
GettyHe was supported by wife Geri Halliwell and was twice cleared internally.
Horner reportedly told Geri at the time that he'd make the scandal 'go away', while the female employee who made the allegation was suspended.
A year on, however, and he's now departed.
Horner was present at Silverstone over the weekend as Verstappen missed out on glory at the British Grand Prix.
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The Dutchman struggled during the event, with Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Nico Hulkenberg all securing places on the podium.
Horner was also present at the annual Clay Day event last week, which took place close to his home in Oxfordshire.
The decision to relieve the Briton of his duties was reportedly made by Oliver Mintzlaff, who is the CEO of the Red Bull Group.
Owners helerm Voovidhya and Mark Mateschitz, as well as key figure Helmut Marko, are reportedly on board with the call.
Christian Horner shaped Max Verstappen into a F1 serial winner during his time in charge
REUTERSVerstappen is currently third in the F1 standings, having amassed 165 points and won two races so far.
His team-mate, Yuki Tsunoda, is 17th having picked up just 10 points so far.
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