Red Bull F1 Staff Told to 'Smile More' Amid Emotional Fallout After Christian Horner's Sudden Exit

Distressed Red Bull F1 employees were instructed to "smile more" by new leadership following the abrupt dismissal of long-time team principal Christian Horner, leaving staff reeling and threatening to quit.

By Chris Posiano

July 21, 2025 at 5:13 AM

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Emotions ran high at Red Bull Racing's headquarters in Milton Keynes as staff were reportedly told to "smile more" in the wake of Christian Horner's sudden departure. The long-serving team principal, who led the Formula One team to eight drivers' championships and six constructors' titles over two decades, was ousted earlier this month in a shocking meeting.

Horner, 51, was summoned to London on July 9 under the guise of a routine team meeting, only to be informed he was being relieved of his duties on the spot. The decision left staff, many of whom are fiercely loyal to Horner, in tears and disbelief. Adding to the turmoil, new leadership figures Helmut Marko, 82, and Oliver Mintzlaff, 49, addressed the team in what insiders described as a "car crash" of a meeting.

According to sources, Marko attempted to lighten the mood by joking about the situation, telling employees to "cheer up" and "smile more." However, the comment reportedly fell flat, with one female staff member questioning, "What is there to smile about?" The atmosphere further soured when Mintzlaff made lighthearted remarks about the lack of line managers following the dismissals of Horner and other senior executives.

Horner, who was replaced within 24 hours by Laurent Mekies, a 48-year-old French engineer, is said to be "hurt and betrayed" by the abrupt decision. Close friends revealed that he was blindsided by the move and remains on gardening leave without a clear explanation for his dismissal. The axing has also reignited tensions between Red Bull's British-based team and its Austrian headquarters, with insiders suggesting the decision was driven by a desire for greater control over the F1 operation.

The fallout has left Red Bull Racing in disarray, with staff threatening to quit and morale at an all-time low. As the once-dominant team navigates this period of upheaval, the future of its F1 operations remains uncertain.

Red Bull's Austrian headquarters declined to comment on the situation when approached.