Father of woman at centre of Christian Horner scandal reacts to Red Bull exit
Last year Horner faced accusations which he was then exonerated from, before incriminating messages purportedly between him and the accuser surfaced, causing a stir among journalists and leading figures in the industry.
As the 2024 Formula 1 season approached, revelations emerged that a female colleague had raised concerns about Horner, prompting an inquiry by the parent company of Red Bull.
The long-standing team principal vociferously refuted the accusations yet was eventually vindicated.
The complainant was later suspended by the team and told it was because she had been found to have been dishonest.
Now, Horner and Red Bull have parted ways, with Max Verstappen third in the World Championship race behind McLaren stars Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. The Milton Keynes-based team are fourth in the constructors' championship behind McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes after claiming just two wins this season.
Red Bull have yet to clarify the reason for Horner's departure.
But the father of the woman at the centre of last year's scandal believes the correct decision has now taken place.
"I've read the news and the right thing has happened," he told Mail Online. "It's been all over the news and people know what took place."
He also refused to be drawn into speculation over his daughter. "You'll have to find out for yourself, I don't want to go into details but she's not involved with them (Red Bull)," he added.
Horner has been replaced by Laurent Mekies as CEO immediately. "Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today, Wednesday 9 July 2025, and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing," read a statement.
The company also confirmed: "Laurent Mekies has been promoted from Racing Bulls to replace him as CEO." The Frenchman was team principal at Red Bull's junior team, having joined from Ferrari.`'
Oliver Mintzlaff, chief of Red Bull's sporting projects, said: "We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.
"With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1. Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history."
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