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The Red Bull Racing Formula One team has parted ways with CEO and team principal Christian Horner with immediate effect, just two days after the British Grand Prix. The reason for his exit is not known yet. Horner joined Red Bull in 2005, ending a partnership of 20 years.
Rumors of Horner’s exit did the rounds last year when he was under investigation for alleged inappropriate behavior with a colleague. The situation then escalated into a reported power struggle between Horner and senior advisor Helmut Marko.
The news of Horner’s exit comes amid the team’s performance struggles with the RB21 F1 car, and the fact that Verstappen hasn’t been leading the championship for the first time in three years. His teammate Yuki Tsunoda is also finding it difficult to adapt to the RB21.
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Red Bull said in a statement that Racing Bulls’ team principal Laurent Mekies will take over the role of CEO at Red Bull Racing, while racing director Alan Permane will take over the role of team principal at Racing Bulls. Addressing the move, Mekies said in a statement:
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“The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter. It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people. The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning. Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path. He knows the team inside out and has always been an important pillar of our early successes.”
Alan Permane said:
“I feel very honoured to take on the role as Team Principal and would like to thank Oliver and Helmut for the trust they have shown in me. I am looking forward to working with Peter to continue the good work that both him and Laurent have done in taking this team forward. This is a new challenge for me, but I know that I can count on the support of everyone within them.”
A statement from Horner and Red Bull is expected shortly. Racing Bulls, the junior Red Bull team, has been scoring points more consistently, giving Mekies the ideal platform to prove his managerial capabilities to Red Bull GmbH.