Red Bull's Mintzlaff on Horner Exit: "We Had to Do Something"

Red Bull GmbH Managing Director Oliver Mintzlaff has publicly addressed the departure of Christian Horner, stating the company "had to do something" and could not "keep relying on history" despite the Briton's "great track record." The move ended Horner's 20-year tenure as team principal and CEO, a period that delivered six constructors' and eight drivers' championships for the team.

Why it matters:

The official comments from Red Bull's top corporate executive provide the clearest insight yet into the reasoning behind one of Formula 1's most significant leadership changes. Moving on from a figure synonymous with the team's greatest successes signals a deliberate shift in corporate strategy and culture at Milton Keynes, with implications for its future competitive direction.

The details:

• Mintzlaff emphasized the decision was not taken lightly or hastily, but was a necessary measure for the professional organization. "We knew we had to do something," he stated, clarifying he is not a "hire-and-fire manager."
• While appreciating Horner's achievements, Mintzlaff framed the change as inevitable. "You can’t keep relying on history and we felt it was time to turn the page and start a new chapter."
• The executive directly responded to recent critical comments from Dr. Helmut Marko, who suggested Horner tried to seize control after Dietrich Mateschitz's death and that Max Verstappen would have won the 2025 title had Horner left sooner.
• Mintzlaff distanced the company from Marko's remarks, calling them the advisor's "responsibility," and stated he could say "nothing negative about Christian."
• He reframed the dual departures of Horner and Marko not as a negative, but as the end of a uniquely long and successful partnership. "Give me a few examples of other large sports organisations where the leadership team has remained the same for so long."

The big picture:

Mintzlaff's interview positions the leadership overhaul as a proactive, forward-looking business decision rather than a reactive one. His focus on the need for change after two decades suggests Red Bull GmbH is prioritizing a refresh in team dynamics and management philosophy. The comments also attempt to publicly reconcile respect for the past with the mandate for a new operational era under Laurent Mekies, aiming to stabilize the team after a period of internal controversy and external scrutiny.

What's next:

The spotlight now turns to Laurent Mekies as he settles into the team principal role and to the performance of the RB22 car in the remaining season. Mintzlaff's stated goal is to "shake things up" and build a new chapter. The ultimate success of this corporate-led transition will be measured on track, in the team's ability to retain key personnel like Max Verstappen, and in its capacity to return to a position of undisputed strength without its longstanding leadership pillars.