Christian Horner in tearful goodbye to Red Bull staff as he says exit was 'shock'

An emotional Christian Horner 'broke down' during his goodbye speech to Red Bull staff in Milton Keynes on Wednesday. Horner, 51, has been sacked by Red Bull after 20 years in charge, making him the longest-serving team principal in Formula 1 and one of the most successful in the sport's history.

Horner has overseen the day-to-day operations at Red Bull since the team's inception in 2005. His tenure saw them win eight Drivers' Championships and six Constructors' titles, enjoying unprecedented success in the 2023 season, as Red Bull won all but one Grands Prix.

But in a bombshell decision, the Red Bull hierarchy have wielded the axe following a below-par first half of this season. Four-in-a-row world champion Max Verstappen has only won two Grands Prix this season and has been linked with a move to rivals Mercedes, despite being under contract until 2028.

According to Sky Sports, Horner said: "Yesterday, I was informed by Red Bull that operationally I would no longer be involved with the business or the team moving forward. I will still remain employed by the company, but, operationally, the baton will be handed over.

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"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."

Replacing Horner ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday, July 27 is Laurent Mekies, who was team principal of sister team Racing Bulls. After being informed of the decision, Horner travelled to Red Bull's headquarters in Milton Keynes, where Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft revealed details of his farewell.

"From those that we've managed to speak to, it is a unified sense of disappointment and sadness at a man that they see has unified their team, who was never afraid to sit and have a chat to various people no matter what they did for the organisation," Croft explained.

"The speech that Christian Horner gave this morning to the factory, we understand, was hugely emotional. Christian himself was very emotional, and broke down on occasion.

"He received a massive ovation at the end of that speech from a workforce that are very loyal to him, because he has helped bring success, bonuses and world championship glory in terms of 14 world titles during his time as team principal."

Sky Sports added that Horner was present for 90 minutes on Wednesday morning. "He drove out this morning at 11:25am," Croft continued.

"He looked fairly impassive, just staring ahead in his car. There was no thumbs up, there were no waves. He drove out of the gates here for what now seems to be the final time."

Speculation over Horner's departure has been brewing since the 51-year-old was accused of inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague in February 2024, allegations which he consistently denied. Red Bull launched an investigation, including hiring an external KC who interviewed him for hours, before they cleared him of any wrongdoing.

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Red Bull thanked Horner for his efforts in the following statement: "After 20 years with the Team, Christian Horner departs Oracle Red Bull Racing as Team Principal and CEO.

"We thank him for his tireless and exceptional work. He has been instrumental in building this Team into one of the most successful in F1, with eight Drivers' Championships and six Constructors' Championships. Thank you for everything Christian, you will forever remain an important part of our team's history."