The world of Formula One was hit by a shock on Wednesday (July 9) as Red Bull confirmed that they have parted ways with Christian Horner with immediate effect, following a stunning two-decade stay as the team's principal.

The news came out of the blue and ended the stint of the longest-serving technical director on the F1 circuit. Horner has been in charge of the team since their inception in 2000 and has seen Red Bull became a legacy team with six constructors' world championships and being the man behind one of the most dominant era's in the sport's history.

During Horner's time at Red Bull, he oversaw eight Drivers' World Championship titles with Sabstian Vettel and Max Verstappen winning four each. Vettel was crowned champion in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 while Verstappen lifted the elusive prize in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

In Horner's tenure, Red Bull won a stunning tally of 124 races over 20 years.

The sudden decision by Red Bull to get rid of Horner, ending a 20-year relationship, has caught the world of Formula 1 by surprise. The club are yet to offer an explanation while their official statement appreciated the contribution.

"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," said a statement from Red Bull.

A report by ESPN revealed that the team's poor performance in 2025 has led to a tense atmosphere in the team, and a series of meetings took place between the Austrian and British Grand Prix. The report also stated there was a meeting between Max and Oliver Mintzlaff, a senior figure in Red Bull's corporate side, who reportedly has been pushing for a chance for a long period.

"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. Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history," said Mintzlaff in a statement.

Martin Brundle, a former F1 driver and currently a punit for SKY Sports, stated that no reason was given to Horner for his release.

The decision comes a year after Horner was retained by Red Bull despite facing sexual misconduct allegations from a former employee of the Milton Keynes-based team.

Laurent Mekies has been appointed as the CEO of Red Bull Racing after Horner's sacking. Mekies was in charge of Red Bull's sister franchise, Racing Bulls, where Alan Permane will take charge now.

The news comes amid rumours of Max leaving Red Bull for Mercedes in a switch ahead of the 2026 season growing. It is worth recalling that the four-time world champions' father, Jos, have had a public fallout in the past. The former F1 driver had called for Horner's removal in 2024.

“We have been informed in advance by Red Bull’s management that this decision has been taken. It is up to Red Bull to give a further explanation, as to the rationale.“We continue to look at the sporting side and are looking for more performance so that we can return to the top. In that respect, nothing will change," said Max's manager Raymond Vermeulen was quoted saying by de Telegraaf.

“We have a contract at Red Bull and are committed, as we have been for 11 years. Above all, we now want the performance to return. And quickly, too.Max wants to get the best out of the material he has at his disposal, but we also realise ourselves that the championship is no longer in the cards," Vermeulen was further quoted saying by Formule1.nl.

While more events will unfold in the days to come, which will make the picture clearer, this seems a last-ditch move by Red Bull to keep Max in their ranks, which the decision not to wait till the end of the season indicates.

However, more claity will emerge in the days to come and