 "Christian Horner breaks silence after shocking Red Bull sacking decision: 'When I arrived 20 years ago...'")
Former Red Bull Formula 1 team boss Christian Horner was reportedly reduced to tears as he delivered a farewell speech to his former colleagues on Wednesday at the team’s Milton Keynes campus. The 51-year-old Horner, who led Red Bull to six Teams’ Championships and eight Drivers’ Championships in his 20-year tenure as the team boss, was sacked by the F1 team on Wednesday . Laurent Mekies has been named the new CEO of Red Bull Racing.
As per a report in the Guardian, Horner was at the Red Bull GmbH campus on Wednesday to speak to the 1,500-strong workforce for one last time.
Horner expresses shock at his sacking
According to the report, Horner got emotional as he expressed his shock at being removed from the CEO’s position.
“Yesterday, I was informed by Red Bull that operationally, I will no longer be involved with the business for the team,” Horner said in a video accessed by Sky Sports News.
“The decision came as a shock to myself. I have had a chance to reflect over the last 12 hours and I wanted to stand in front of all of you to break this news, and just express my gratitude to each and every single member of the team that has given so much during the 20 and a half years that I have been here.
“When I arrived 20 years ago, with a few less grey hairs, I walked into a team and I didn’t know what to expect but I was immediately welcomed. We then started to build what became a powerhouse in Formula One. Watching and being part of this team has been the biggest privilege in my life.”
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More ShortsLater on Instagram, Horner added that it was “honour” for him to lead the Red Bull team. “After an incredible journey of 20 years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the team I have absolutely loved. It’s been an honour to be part of this incredible era of motor sport.
“Every one of you, the amazing people at the factory, have been the heart and soul of everything that we have achieved. Win and lose, every step of the way, we have stood by each other as one and I will never forget that.”
He added that he is leaving the team with “immense pride.”
“It’s been a privilege being part of and leading this epic team and I am so proud of our collective accomplishments and you all. I leave with immense pride in what we’ve achieved and also with what’s in the pipeline for 2026 – and huge respect for everyone who’s made F1 the pinnacle it is today.”
Under Horner’s guidance, Red Bull also won 107 pole positions, 124 race wins and 287 podiums.
Horner’s sacking comes a little over 17 months after he was accused of inappropriate behaviour by an employee.
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