One of the biggest headlines coming into the second half of the 2025 F1 season is the dismissal of Christian Horner as team principal of Red Bull Racing. After two decades at the helm, Horner leaves behind a legacy of championship success and a team culture he helped shape from its inception. Now leading Sauber, Jonathan Wheatley—formerly Red Bull’s Sporting Director—worked alongside Horner for 18 years. Speaking ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, Wheatley reflected on the transition and offered support for those stepping into new leadership roles.
Showing support for his former team
Coming into the 2025 Belgium GP weekend, Wheatley was asked on his thoughts on Horner’s departure. Wheatley paid tribute to Horner’s accomplishments and the immense progress Red Bull made under his leadership.
“I’d like to start by saying look at what Christian achieved in that team. Look what the team that he was part of achieved over the last twenty years. I had a fantastic time in Milton Keynes.“
Moreover, Wheatley extended congratulations to two former colleagues: Laurent Mekies, who replaces Horner as Red Bull Team Principal, and Alan Permane, who has stepped into Mekies’ former role at Racing Bulls. He expressed both pride and enthusiasm for their career advancements.
“I have a slightly more scenic drive to work now, but I know the strength and depth of the people there, and I know the task that Laurent’s taken on is going to be exciting for him. I want to say on a personal level that I wish Christian absolutely the very best in the future, but also that two really good friends of mine, this gentleman sat to my right here Laurent and also Alan Permane, it’s provided opportunities in their careers and their career development. Honestly, out of everything comes something hugely positive, and I’m really, really pleased for Laurent and Alan.“
Understanding the impact of change
Naturally, questions followed about what kind of impact such a dramatic leadership change could have on Red Bull Racing’s performance. With so much success under Horner’s stewardship, concerns about continuity and adaptation are understandable.
However, Wheatley—who knows Red Bull’s internal structure intimately—expressed confidence that the team’s core remains strong. He also praised Mekies’ managerial qualities and leadership style, stating his belief that Red Bull remains in capable hands.
“Laurent is an incredibly impressive person. He’s been a friend of mine for a really long time, and he has a wonderful way of managing people, I think the team principal’s role is very much to motivate the team, to put the right people in the right positions and give them the best opportunities and the tools they need to do the job. I have no doubt whatsoever that Laurent is going to excel in that regard. I just want to say again, I want to wish him all the very best in the future, and I couldn’t be happier for him.“
Wheatley’s remarks offered a blend of reflection and anticipation. While he acknowledged the end of an era with Horner’s departure, he also embraced the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with fresh opportunity for Mekies, Permane, and the broader Red Bull organisation.
Co-Author: Karishma Persad
