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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Red Bull confirm another major F1 leadership change after Christian Horner exit
Laurent Mekies is the new Red Bull F1 team principal and chief executive after Christian Horner was removed from those roles, and Helmut Marko has broken his silence on the change Red Bull have confirmed that new team principal Laurent Mekies will have "significantly reduced" responsibilities compared to predecessor Christian Horner. The Frenchman is the new man in charge at the Formula 1 team after the main Red Bull company announced Horner's exit last week. Neither the team nor its parent company have offered any reasons for the sudden management change publicly. But long-serving adviser Helmut Marko has now confirmed that "various factors" were behind the decision, most notably the team's decline in performance. "The decision was made by [chief executive of Red Bull corporate projects] Oliver Mintzlaff", the Austrian said of Horner's demise. "We informed Christian Horner of this on Tuesday in London after the Silverstone race. "At the same time, we officially thanked him for these 20 years and for these eight World Championship titles. This was the result of various factors, but above all, the performance wasn't quite as good as it could have been." Horner's position had long been under scrutiny, having lost the trust of Red Bull chiefs in Austria some time ago. He was protected by majority shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya who gave the Brit his backing, until recently, which was the major change behind the scenes that facilitated the change of leadership. Horner had served not only as team principal but also chief executive. Austrian Red Bull officials were understood to have been uncomfortable with the amount of power wielded by Horner after 20 years in charge. Marko went on to confirm that, although Mekies also holds both TP and CEO titles, he will not be as omnipotent as Horner once was. "Fortunately, we were able to bring Laurent Mekies into the family. His responsibilities will be significantly reduced, with the main focus being on racing," he added. Mekies has admitted that his main priority in his new role is to ensure that the team keeps hold of its star asset. Max Verstappen has been strongly linked with a move to rivals Mercedes – speculation which has only intensified since Horner's exit. And the new chief is focused on making Red Bull as competitive and attractive as possible to give them the best chance of convincing the Dutchman to stay. Mekies said: "I'm sure Max wants a fast car and if we get him a fast car, I'm sure it's cancelling out all the other considerations. "So really the focus is very much to try to get to know the team as quickly as possible in order to see how we can support, how we can build the next step of competitiveness in order to get a fast car and hence to make it an easy call for Max."
Metro
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Inside Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell's sprawling countryside homes
A peek inside Geri Halliwell-Horner and Christian Horner's luxury homes, complete with stables, a mini farm, and indoor swimming pools. Christian was sacked by Red Bull on Wednesday, meaning that the couple is facing a bit of a lifestyle shift as the 51-year-old takes a step back from the fast-paced life of being the Red Bull F1 principal. Spending more time at home isn't going to be such a hardship either, as Horner and his singer wife own two stunning country homes in Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire. The couple has been married in 2015 and shares three children, Geri's daughter Bluebell Madonna Halliwell, 19, Christian's daughter Olivia, 11, and a son named Montague George Hector Horner, seven. Their family of five aren't the only ones who live at the property, with the couple owning several horses, donkeys, dogs and chickens on their expansive land. On social media over the years, the couple has given sneak peeks into their home life, sharing sweet family photos that show some of the more decadent aspects of their country lifestyle. Here are some of the highlights… The kitchens in both country homes have a similar neutral farm-style look, opting for large stone features in the flooring or wall features. Both kitchens feature large cream Agas and dark marble-topped counters for contrast. Both spaces seem warm and bright with light streaming through the windows. The cupboards are coloured cream in one house and a delicate eggshell blue in the other. Both palettes add a calm, clean and homely feel to both spaces. One of the mansions features a pool room with a huge swimming pool surrounded by cream stone tiles and an exposed red brick walls and a barn-style ceiling with wooden beams. Geri has shared snaps of the pool room on her social media and it seems to be a spot enjoyed most by her youngest child, Monty. Monty can be seen in some snaps in a wetsuit, while Geri opts for a swimming costume – in white of course. In true Ginger Spice style, in one of Geri's sitting rooms, she has a sofa with a Union Flag cushion pattern. This is pretty much the only piece of furniture with colour, as almost all of the rest of the room is in the classic palette of cream and heart tones. In some of the rooms, the star has decorated with antiques, including a painting of Jesus's last supper, a gramophone, ornate wooden desks, and chestnut consoles. While the interior of the couple's home is stunning, the home also has a sprawling garden complete with stables, a chicken coop, fields, and a well. More Trending Over the years, Geri has shared various snaps in the great outdoors and appears to be a fan of equestrian pursuits, with a variety of horses appearing on her social media page. The singer also appears to grow flowers, fruits and herbs in her kitchen garden and has previously shared snaps of herself picking raspberries with her son. The gardens are immaculate with perfectly pruned hedges and towering red-brick walls that give the home the perfect level of privacy. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Ferrari's stance on hiring Christian Horner after Red Bull sacking MORE: Bernie Ecclestone slams 'idiot' Christian Horner following Red Bull sacking MORE: How much did Christian Horner make as Red Bull chief before dismissal?
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
'50-year-old who thought he was 20′ – Bernie Ecclestone blasts ‘idiot' Christian Horner after he was sacked by Red Bull
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BERNIE ECCLESTONE has labelled Christian Horner 'an idiot' in the wake of his Red Bull sacking earlier this week. The ex-Red Bull team principal seemed a permanent fixture in F1 until allegations of him sending suggestive WhatsApp messages to a female employee emerged last year. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Christian Horner was this week dismissed by Red Bull Credit: PA 4 Bernie Ecclestone is friends with Horner - but didn't mince his words Credit: AFP Horner, 51, has consistently denied the claims of inappropriate and controlling behaviour made against him. In February 2024, Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing after multiple probes. He spent a tumultuous three weeks fighting for his career after a female colleague alleged controlling and coercive behaviour by the boss. The probe later investigated him allegedly sending improper messages to a woman. A KC cleared Horner for a second time in August after the unnamed accuser launched an appeal following the internal probe. Now F1 legend Bernie Ecclestone - a longtime friend of Horner - has criticised him for his conduct regarding the scandal. He told the Telegraph: "This other business that he got involved with 18 months ago, he was just an idiot. "He was a 50-year-old who thought he was 20, thought he was one of the boys." 4 Horner with Spice Girl wife Geri Credit: Splash BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Ecclestone and Horner's friendship extends to beyond the latter's arrival at Red Bull, with the pair reportedly attending each others weddings. Ex-Formula One boss Ecclestone was not surprised with the sacking, suggesting that unease surrounding Horner's prominence within the Red Bull brand could have played a role. Christian Horner SACKED by Red Bull F1! Shock Departure After 20 Years He said: "It would probably have been better if they had said 'Come in Christian, sit down.' "But the bottom line is there are people who thought he was getting away with things, that he was acting as if it was not the Red Bull ring, but the Christian Horner ring." Horner gave an emotional speech to Red Bull staff following his sacking. He was not the only staff member to be fired, with a number of his closest allies also axed. Ecclestone suggests the timing of the decision to move on from Horner coinciding with Red Bull's struggles to compete this season is not a coincidence. He continued: "He got away with so many things. "All the time you are delivering , people close their eyes - but when you stop delivering, people start looking. "One or two begin thinking 'Well I could do a better job.'" Reigning world champion Max Verstappen is third in the standings while Red Bull trail McLaren by a whopping 288 points in the Constructors standings at the half way stage of the season. The British racing executive ran the Red Bull F1 team for 20 years since his appointment in 2005, in which time he has become one of the most decorated team bosses of all time. Horner's tenure oversaw six constructors titles and EIGHT drivers' championships across dominant spells with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen. The latter posted an emotional farewell to Horner following the dismissal. Horner will be succeeded in his role by French engineer Laurent Mekies.
The Irish Sun
11-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
'50-year-old who thought he was 20′ – Bernie Ecclestone blasts ‘idiot' Christian Horner after he was sacked by Red Bull
BERNIE ECCLESTONE has labelled Christian Horner 'an idiot' in the wake of his Red Bull sacking earlier this week. The ex-Red Bull team principal seemed a permanent fixture in F1 until allegations of him sending to a female employee emerged last year. Advertisement 4 Christian Horner was this week dismissed by Red Bull Credit: PA 4 Bernie Ecclestone is friends with Horner - but didn't mince his words Credit: AFP Horner, 51, has consistently denied the claims of inappropriate and controlling behaviour made against him. In February 2024, Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing after multiple probes. He spent The probe later investigated him allegedly sending improper messages to a woman. Advertisement READ MORE ON MOTORSPORT A KC cleared Horner for a Now F1 legend Bernie Ecclestone - a longtime friend of Horner - has criticised him for his conduct regarding the scandal. He told the "He was a 50-year-old who thought he was 20, thought he was one of the boys." Advertisement Most read in Motorsport Exclusive 4 Horner with Spice Girl wife Geri Credit: Splash BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Ecclestone and Horner's friendship extends to beyond the latter's arrival at Red Bull, with the pair reportedly attending each others weddings. Ex-Formula One boss Ecclestone was not surprised with the sacking, suggesting that unease surrounding Horner's prominence within the Red Bull brand could have played a role. Advertisement Christian Horner SACKED by Red Bull F1! Shock Departure After 20 Years He said: "It would probably have been better if they had said 'Come in Christian, sit down.' "But the bottom line is there are people who thought he was getting away with things, that he was acting as if it was not the Red Bull ring, but the Christian Horner ring." Horner gave an He was not the only staff member to be fired, with a Advertisement Ecclestone suggests the timing of the decision to move on from Horner coinciding with Red Bull's struggles to compete this season is not a coincidence. He continued: "He got away with so many things. "All the time you are delivering , people close their eyes - but when you stop delivering, people start looking. "One or two begin thinking 'Well I could do a better job.'" Advertisement Reigning world champion Max Verstappen is third in the standings while Red Bull trail McLaren by a whopping 288 points in the Constructors standings at the half way stage of the season. The British racing executive ran the Red Bull F1 team for 20 years since his appointment in 2005, in which time he has become one of the most decorated team bosses of all time. Horner's tenure oversaw six constructors titles and EIGHT drivers' championships across dominant spells with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen. The latter Advertisement Horner will be succeeded in his role by French engineer Laurent Mekies. 4
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
How Christian Horner's feud with Jos Verstappen played role in Red Bull exit
Christian Horner was removed as team principal of Red Bull F1 on Wednesday with his strained relationship with Jos Verstappen belived to have played a role in his departure A former Formula 1 chief believes it is clear that Christian Horner's strained relationship with Max Verstappen's father Jos was a factor in his shock exit from Red Bull this week. After two decades at the helm, during which he led the team to 14 titles, Horner's time as Red Bull's team principal came to an abrupt end on Wednesday. Red Bull GmbH, the parent company, announced his immediate release without providing a reason for the decision. Horner still has a contract with Red Bull Racing but has been placed on gardening leave and is likely to leave the company for good when that period ends. Horner's departure follows allegations of 'inappropriate behaviour' from a female staff member, which emerged in early 2024. The 51-year-old always denied the claim and was cleared on two occasions by separate independent KCs hired by Red Bull to investigate the matter. Yet, in March last year, Jos Verstappen predicted that Red Bull would "explode" if Horner wasn't removed. And he has continued to speak up publicly against the Brit, fuelling speculation that his exit is a result of manoeuvring by the Verstappen camp. Guenther Steiner, former team principal at Haas, who also used to work under Horner at Red Bull, told talkSPORT: "There was open criticism, it was not hearsay. Jos openly critiqued the management of Red Bull, mainly Christian, so we were all fully aware that relationship wasn't good. "Max is the best driver at the moment and has got a big say in the team, so if he didn't get on, or his father didn't get on with Christian, for sure, that played a role in it." Verstappen, who is under contract until 2028 has caught the attention of Mercedes and the Dutchman has been reluctant to publicly commit to seeing out his tenure with Red Bull. He sits third in the drivers' championship, trailing Oscar Piastri by 69 points. There is a performance-related exit clause within his existing deal. Steiner went on to point out the current performance situation at Red Bull has made Verstappen's position even stronger. He said: "It's difficult, because to have somebody like Max, you want to keep him, and you don't give this power in a day. A driver like this grabs his power, because he knows his value for the team. "You can see at Red Bull, the second driver has scored very few points, they cannot do it. Max put himself in this position to have a lot of say in the team because he is the biggest asset they have got at the moment." Horner has already been linked to future roles with other F1 teams, but Steiner does not believe his former colleague will be in a rush to return. He said: "He was there 20 years. I know how stressful it is to run a team and the last few years have been tough. He still gets paid, so he's enjoying his gardening leave. He will not be desperate for a next job."
