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Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team principal Christian Horner has been fired from his position, it has been announced.
The 51-year-old, who is the longest-running team principal having been in the role since 2005, is being replaced by Laurent Mekies as the new CEO of Red Bull Racing.
“Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO (chief executive) of Red Bull Racing,” a spokesperson for Red Bull said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE on Wednesday, July 9.
“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” the statement continued. “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,” the statement concluded.
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Horner, husband to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner, has been fired over a year after being cleared of inappropriate behavior following an investigation over allegations made against him by a female colleague.
In February 2024, allegations were brought against Horner in a report by Dutch news outlet De Telegraaf, the specific details of which were not made public. Horner denied the allegations, telling CNN, “I obviously deny fully the allegations that have been made against me.”
He was cleared that same month following an internal investigation, per BBC Sport, ESPN and The Athletic.
“The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed,” Red Bull Racing said in a statement to the outlets.
At the time, Red Bull said it was “confident that the investigation” into Horner’s alleged behavior has been “fair, rigorous, and impartial.” The company added in its statement that the “complainant has a right of appeal” to the decision.
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Horner said at the time that his wife Halliwell, 52, had been has been “very supportive” amid the allegations.
The couple first met at a racing event in 2009 and tied the knot in 2015. They share one son, Montague, 7, and both have children — Bluebell, 17, and Olivia, 10 — from previous relationships.
Under Horner’s leadership, Red Bull won eight drivers world championships and six constructors championships, along with 124 race wins.
PEOPLE has reached out to Red Bull Racing and a representative for Horner for comment.
