His exit, finalised in September after months of negotiations, brings to an end a reign that delivered six Constructors’ Championships, eight Drivers’ Championships and over 120 race victories.
Horner, who first took the reins in 2005, reflected on his journey with the Milton Keynes outfit in a heartfelt farewell message. “Leading Red Bull Racing has been an honour and privilege,” he said. “When we started in 2005, none of us could have imagined the journey ahead, the championships, the races, the people, the memories.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved as a team breaking records and reaching heights no-one would ever believe were possible and I will forever carry that with me.”
He underlined that his greatest satisfaction came from the people he worked with. “For me my biggest satisfaction has been assembling and leading the most amazing group of talented and driven individuals and seeing them flourish as a subsidiary of an Energy Drinks company and seeing them take on and beat some of the biggest automotive brands in the world.”
Horner also praised the team’s partners and fans: “I would like to thank our incredible sponsors and partners for their unwavering support who have played a key role in all our success. I would like to say a big thank you to the fans for their ongoing belief and without whom there would be no F1.”
Looking ahead, Horner backed his successor Laurent Mekies and the team’s drivers. “I wish Laurent, Max (Verstappen), Yuki (Tsunoda) and all of the Red Bull Technology Group the very best for the future. I am confident they will, as ever, deliver success on the track, for our fans, and continue to push to the maximum.”
Red Bull now turn their attention to the future, with Mekies leading preparations for 2026, when the team will field their first in-house power unit in partnership with Ford.
The next race of the 2025 season is the Singapore Grand Prix, which takes place on Sunday, 5 October, at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
