Christian Horner’s surprising dismissal as F1 Red Bull’s team principal has been met with emotions in his farewell address.
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 as the new CEO on Wednesday.
A video of Horner’s emotional farewell speech at Red Bull’s UK base in Milton Keynes, provided by Sky Sports News, shows him choking with emotion while revealing he had been informed he “would not be involved with the business or the team any longer”.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
F1: Red Bull – New Era
“I will continue with the company, but, operationally, leadership will change hands,” he expressed in his Wednesday speech.
“This caught me completely off guard.
“After some reflection over the past 12 hours, I wanted to stand before everyone to share this news and to extend my gratitude to each and every team member for their dedication over the past 20 years.
When I joined 20 years ago, there were fewer grey hairs. I stepped into the team, uncertain of what to expect, but was quickly welcomed, and together, we built what became a powerhouse in F1.”
“Being part of this team has been the greatest privilege of my life.
For more from Sky News:
F1 Team Changes Leadership with Horner Departure
Markets Feel the Pulse of Rapid Economic Changes/br/>Horner’s Heartfelt Farewell – A Lasting Legacy
Explore how Christian Horner’s departure reshapes Red Bull’s legacy and the future of F1
Read More
Horner’s exit marks a turning point for the Red Bull team, coming after a tough period where they went from dominating the F1 championship two years ago to falling behind their rivals. The team currently sits fourth in the constructors’ standings, trailing McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari, while driver Max Verstappen holds third place in the drivers’ championship.
His departure also follows allegations of misconduct made against him in February 2024 by a female colleague. Horner, who is married to former Spice Girl Geri Horner, has consistently denied these allegations, which were dismissed following an appeal last year.
No reason for Horner’s departure was provided in Red Bull’s official statement.
Under Horner, Red Bull Racing amassed 124 race wins, 107 pole positions, and 287 podium finishes, securing eight Drivers’ World Championships and six Constructors’ Championships.
Red Bull’s statement read, “We extend our deepest thanks to Christian Horner for his phenomenal work over 20 years. His tireless dedication, expertise, and innovative thinking have been crucial in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in F1. We thank Christian for everything, and he will forever be a significant part of our team’s history.”
