Christian Horner: Former F1 team principal reduced to tears after stunning dismissal by Red Bull
The 51-year-old, the current longest-serving and second most successful team boss in F1 history, was effectively sacked from his role by the British-based Formula One team's parent company, Red Bull GmbH, on Tuesday.
Horner will be replaced as principal by Racing Bulls' boss, Frenchman Laurent Mekies.
Horner travelled to the team's Milton Keynes factory to deliver the bombshell news to a stunned 1500-strong workforce on Wednesday morning.
It's understood Horner broke down as he informed hundreds inside a room which showcases the Red Bull cars that won 14 world championships, as well as many more on a video call, that he would be leaving with immediate effect.
He said: '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.
'Being part of this team has been the biggest privilege in my life.'
An unplanned pause followed as Horner's voice broke before a round of applause followed.
Within minutes of his emotional address, Red Bull GmbH released the news to the world that Horner's time, which began with the team's inception in 2005, was up.
Red Bull Group CEO Oliver Mintzlaff said: 'We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.
'Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.'
Horner's dramatic departure comes 17 months after he was accused of 'inappropriate behaviour' by a female colleague.
At last year's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, he was cleared of wrongdoing following an internal investigation, only for hundreds of WhatsApp messages - appearing to be exchanged between Horner and the complainant - to then be leaked to the F1 world.
Horner, who is married to former Spice Girls pop star Geri Halliwell, managed to keep the Red Bull hierarchy onside and fought on. He always denied the claims and was exonerated for a second time of controlling behaviour by an independent KC last August.
But he lost a number of key allies along the way, with design guru Adrian Newey, chief designer Rob Marshall and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley all departing.
Max Verstappen won a fourth consecutive world championship last year but he has been hesitant to confirm whether he will see out the remainder of his deal which runs until 2028.
His father, Jos, is a fierce critic of Horner's and claimed in Bahrain last year that Red Bull would 'explode' if Horner remained in his post.
Verstappen paid his own tribute, saying: 'From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian.'
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