Christian Horner: Former Red Bull team principal says sacking came as a 'shock' in tearful farewell speech

Christian Horner admitted his sacking as Red Bull team principal had come as a "shock" as he made a tearful farewell speech at the team's factory.

The 51-year-old was informed of his dismissal - after 20 years in charge - on Tuesday but was given the opportunity to address his former employees at Red Bull's UK base in Milton Keynes on Wednesday.

Sky Sports News has obtained footage of Horner's farewell speech, during which he broke down in tears and received lengthy ovations from his former colleagues.

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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.

"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."

When Horner says he will remain employed by the company, he is referring to exit terms that will see him remain on gardening leave until the end of the year.

Sky Sports F1's Martin Brundle said Horner had told him "no reason was given to him" for his release. Red Bull's statement announcing the decision did not give a reason.

Horner was speaking before Red Bull had confirmed that he would be replaced by Laurent Mekies, who steps up from running sister squad Racing Bulls, but said the Frenchman has his backing.

Horner said: "A new CEO will be announced shortly. I trust him and give him my full support. My instruction to him is to look after all of you.

"I have fought hard, I've done my best, I've put in a big shift and it now comes to a close."

Horner has overseen two periods of dominance by Red Bull in Formula 1, with Sebastian Vettel and the team winning four consecutive drivers' and constructors' championships from 2010-2013, and Max Verstappen winning the last four drivers' championships from 2021-2024. Red Bull were also constructors' champions in 2022 and 2023.

His exit comes ahead of the first season in which Red Bull will produce their own engine, with the team having decided to set up its own operation to coincide with the introduction of new regulations in 2026.

Horner added: "What lies ahead with [Red Bull] Powertrains is truly exciting and I will just be very sad I won't be here to see the engine performance."

Horner pays tribute to rivals

Later on Wednesday, Horner posted a statement on social media in which he once more paid tribute to those he had worked with at Red Bull.

Perhaps more surprisingly, he also added a message to the rivals he has shared fierce battles with over the years.

Horner wrote: "Thank you to our rivals, with whom there would be no racing at all. You've pushed us, challenged us, and enabled us to achieve accolades we never dreamed possible.

"The competition has made every victory sweeter and every setback an opportunity to develop and grow.

"Formula 1 is a sport built on relentless ambition, passion, and respect. The rivalries have been fierce, but the mutual drive to innovate and raise the bar is what has made this journey so special.

"It's been an honour to be part of this incredible era of motorsport. 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."

F1 takes a brief break before the season resumes at the Belgian Grand Prix as the Sprint format returns, live on Sky Sports F1 on July 25-27. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime.

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