Christian Horner’s sacking was ‘primarily’ down to performance, says Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko

In early July, Christian Horner was sacked by Red Bull after serving as team principal and CEO for over 20 years.

While rumours and tensions had circulated since early 2024, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has now said that Horner’s dismissal was “the result of various factors.”

A tumultuous 2024 despite WDC glory

The year began with Horner facing sexual harassment allegations. Though he was later cleared, speculation around his future with the team lingered.

The tension never truly subsided, with ongoing rumours about internal disagreements and fractured relationships - particularly with Max Verstappen and his father, Jos.

At the same time, Red Bull's management was reportedly divided over who should occupy the second seat alongside Verstappen.

Sergio Perez’s future was uncertain, and names like Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda and even Daniel Ricciardo, and Isack Hadjar were all floated as potential replacements.

Allegedly, Horner and Marko clashed over the direction the team should take

When the news broke that legendary designer Adrian Newey would leave Red Bull, it only amplified speculation that the team was in turmoil.

Despite Verstappen clinching his fourth consecutive world title in 2024, Red Bull slipped to third in the Constructors’ Championship - behind McLaren and Ferrari.

Things only worsened in 2025.

READ MORE: How Christian Horner’s sacking could reshape the F1 grid

McLaren surge, Red Bull slide

McLaren emerged as the dominant force from the very first race of the 2025 season, while Red Bull appeared to have lost their competitive edge.

Verstappen has managed to win just two races this year - Japan and Imola - but has generally struggled with an unbalanced and inconsistent RB21.

The second seat has seen even more instability.

Lawson was given the privilege of being Verstappen’s team-mate at the start of the 2025 season - a privilege he quickly lost.

After just two rounds, Tsunoda was called up to replace the Kiwi who had failed to make an impression.

While Tsunoda has also had difficulties, the team appears more confident in the Japanese driver - particularly given the RB21’s known weaknesses.

And despite Verstappen’s consistent points finishes, he has repeatedly voiced frustration with the car's performance.

After 13 rounds, Red Bull sit fourth in the Constructors’ standings with 192 points. McLaren lead the way with a commanding 516 points, followed by Ferrari (248) and Mercedes (220).

Horner was in charge for 12 of those rounds before Laurent Mekies - formerly of Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls - was promoted to take over.

Marko explains the decision

Speaking to Sky Germany ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix - Red Bull’s first race without Horner - Marko shed some light on the circumstances behind the change.

"The decision was made by the management - that is, Oliver Mintzlaff.

"We informed Christian Horner of it in London. At the same time, we officially thanked him for 20 years and eight world titles.

"It was the result of various factors. But primarily, performance was not quite where it should be."

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: F1 news: Oscar Piastri wins dry-wet Belgian GP after lengthy delay

The Mekies era begins

Mekies, who has a wealth of experience in F1, will have the goal of bridging the gap to McLaren.

“His role will be significantly more focused - primarily on racing,” said Marko.

"He's an excellent engineer, which is a good fit considering the complex technology in Formula 1.

"We've already seen that he communicates very well with the staff. We're hopeful that we can gradually return to the top."

READ NEXT: F1 news: George Russell questions Mercedes’ direction ahead of Hungarian GP