Red Bull boss explains reason for sacking Christian Horner
Updated: April 8, 2026
Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has opened up on the decision to part ways with Christian Horner earlier this year.
Horner was at the helm of the Milton Keynes-based squad since its inception in 2005 and oversaw various world championship triumphs with Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel.
However, shortly after the British Grand Prix earlier this year during a rough patch of form for the team, Horner was relieved of his duties.
The Briton was replaced by Laurent Mekies before Red Bull went on a strong turnaround in form that saw Verstappen miss out on a fifth consecutive title by just two points.
Mintzlaff asserted it was essential Red Bull carried out a change amid a lapse in on-track results.
“I wouldn’t call it a risk, because we were 100% behind this decision,” Mintzlaff told De Telegraaf.
“Because we knew we had to do something.
“I’m not a so-called ‘hire-and-fire manager’, someone who just fires people.”
While Horner had a strong history of success with Red Bull, Mintzlaff highlighted it could not count on the past for future triumph.
“Christian has a fantastic track record with the team and achieved a great deal of success,” he said.
“Everyone here at the company, myself included, appreciates him for what he’s done.
“But this is also part of a professional organisation. You can’t keep relying on history, and we felt it was time to turn the page and start a new chapter.
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