Christian Horner has said his sacking as F1 Red Bull’s team principal came as a “shock” during an emotional farewell speech.
The 51-year-old, who had been with Red Bull since 2005, was the longest-serving team principal in F1. The team announced Laurent Mekies had been appointed as CEO on Wednesday.
A video of Horner’s farewell speech at Red Bull’s UK base in Milton Keynes, obtained by Sky Sports News, shows him breaking down in tears while explaining he was told he “would no longer be involved with the business or the team”.
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“I will still remain employed by the company, but, operationally, the baton will be handed over,” he said during his speech on Wednesday.
“It came as a shock to myself.
“I’ve had a chance to reflect over the last 12 hours and wanted to stand in front of all of you to break this news and to express my gratitude to each and every single member of the team that has given so much during the last 20-and-a-half years.
“When I arrived 20 years ago, there were a few less grey hairs. I walked into a team and did not know what to expect, but I was immediately welcomed and we started to build what became a powerhouse in F1.
“Watching and being part of this team, has been the biggest privilege of my life.”
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Horner’s exit – a seismic announcement in the world of racing – comes following a difficult period for the Red Bull team, which two years ago dominated the F1 championship, before dramatically falling behind its rivals.
The team currently sits fourth in the constructors’ championship, behind McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari, while star driver Max Verstappen sits in third in the drivers’ standings.
Horner’s departure from the team also comes a year after allegations of inappropriate behaviour were made against him in February 2024 by a female colleague.
Horner, who is married to former Spice Girl Geri Horner, has always denied the allegations against him. They were dismissed following an appeal last summer.
Red Bull’s statement announcing the decision to sack Horner did not give a reason for his departure.
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Under Horner, Red Bull Racing achieved 124 race wins, 107 pole positions and 287 podium finishes, and won eight Drivers’ World Championships and six Constructors’ Championships.
In a statement, Red Bull said: “We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.
“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.”
