Red Bull CEO Mintzlaff Reveals True Reasons Behind Christian Horner’s Sacking After British Grand Prix

Key facts

• Christian Horner was fired as Red Bull team principal in July 2025 after the British Grand Prix.
• Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff confirmed the dismissal was necessary to move forward after prolonged behind-the-scenes struggles.
• Horner received a severance package worth millions of pounds that allows him the potential to return to the grid.
• Horner’s future became uncertain after the death of Red Bull co-owner Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022.
• Allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Horner first emerged in 2023, causing distractions.
• Horner has been linked to a potential CEO role in MotoGP under Liberty Media’s new ownership.
• Red Bull fears Horner might start his own F1 team, dubbed 'Christian Horner Racing', which CEO Mintzlaff was strongly against.
• Horner explored launching his own F1 outfit and also considered buying a stake in Alpine before Mercedes showed interest.

The Sudden Ousting After Silverstone

Christian Horner was dismissed as Red Bull Racing team principal in July 2025, immediately after the British Grand Prix, ending a two-decade tenure that began when he was appointed as the youngest team principal in Formula One history in 2005. The decision, confirmed by Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, came after a bitter power battle with the company’s owners that had been simmering since the death of co-owner Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022. Mintzlaff stated that the dismissal was not taken lightly but was essential for the team to move forward. “I wouldn’t call it a risk, because we were 100 per cent behind this decision,” he told the Dutch publication 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.” The severance package, worth millions of pounds, includes provisions that allow Horner to potentially return to the grid in another capacity.

The Power Struggle and Off-Track Distractions

Horner’s downfall was precipitated by a prolonged behind-the-scenes struggle to retain control of Red Bull Racing following Mateschitz’s death. Allegations of inappropriate behaviour first surfaced in 2023, leading to a series of leaks and statements that distracted the team from racing. Mintzlaff hinted that Horner’s methods were stuck in the past, preventing the team from breaking out of a competitive slump that had plagued them since mid-2024. “Christian has a fantastic track record with the team and achieved a great deal of success,” Mintzlaff acknowledged. “Everyone here at the company, myself included, appreciates him for what he’s done.” However, the CEO made clear that the off-track issues had become untenable, forcing the decision to part ways.

Horner’s MotoGP Ambitions and Liberty Media’s Plans

Since his dismissal, Horner has been linked with a move to MotoGP, where Liberty Media—which recently rebranded Dorna as MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group—may seek to install its own leadership. Horner would only consider a role that puts him in charge of the entire sport, potentially aiming for the CEO position currently held by Carmelo Ezpeleta, who has been in the post since the mid-1990s. Horner’s unannounced visit to the MotoGP paddock during the Spanish Grand Prix fueled speculation. He was spotted in the Gresini garage, but Chinchero believes Horner’s ambitions go beyond running a single team. With Liberty Media likely to bring Formula One experience into the new MotoGP era, Horner’s track record makes him a strong candidate for the top job.

Failed F1 Comeback and Investor Backing

Horner has not been short of options in Formula One. He explored launching his own team from scratch and was reportedly interested in acquiring Otro Capital’s 24 per cent stake in Alpine. Negotiations, confirmed by his friend and Alpine executive Flavio Briatore, were ongoing until Mercedes expressed interest in the same share. Toto Wolff denied any intent to block Horner’s return, but the 52-year-old is taking his time to evaluate opportunities. Despite being an extremely powerful figure in F1, Horner was still an employee of Red Bull, and it was never clear whether he ranked above motorsport advisor Helmut Marko in the hierarchy. His severance package and investor backing mean he could return to the grid either as a team owner or in a senior role.

Red Bull’s Fear of ‘Christian Horner Racing’

A major worry for Red Bull is the possibility that Horner might start his own team, dubbed ‘Christian Horner Racing’. Sky Sports presenter Simon Lazenby suggested that having Horner as the face of a rival team was something CEO Oliver Mintzlaff was strongly against. Lazenby theorised that this fear may have been a factor in Horner’s departure, as Red Bull seeks to reinvent itself after his exit. The idea of Horner launching his own outfit is not far-fetched: he has two decades of experience, a strong network, and the financial backing to do so. However, a move to MotoGP as CEO would offer more influence than any team role, even if it lacks the competitive edge of being on the pit wall every week.

What Comes Next for Horner and Red Bull

Horner’s next move remains uncertain, but the pieces are in place for a significant role in motorsport. Whether he returns to F1 or takes the helm of MotoGP, his decision will reshape the landscape of both sports. For Red Bull, the departure marks the end of an era, and the team must now navigate a future without the man who led them to multiple championships. Mintzlaff’s comments suggest that Red Bull is committed to moving forward, but the shadow of Horner’s legacy—and the potential of a rival team bearing his name—looms large. The coming months will reveal whether Horner chooses to build his own empire or step into a role that governs an entire sport.

The bottom line

• Christian Horner was fired after the British Grand Prix in July 2025 due to a power struggle and off-track distractions following Dietrich Mateschitz’s death.
• Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff confirmed the dismissal was necessary for the team to move forward, citing Horner’s outdated methods and a competitive slump since mid-2024.
• Horner received a multimillion-pound severance package that allows him to return to the grid, and he has explored both starting his own F1 team and buying a stake in Alpine.
• Horner is a candidate for the CEO role in MotoGP under Liberty Media, which may seek to install its own leadership after rebranding Dorna.
• Red Bull fears Horner could launch ‘Christian Horner Racing’, a prospect CEO Mintzlaff was strongly against, potentially driving the decision to part ways.
• Horner’s next move—whether in F1 or MotoGP—will have significant implications for both sports, given his experience and investor backing.