Christian Horner ‘in tears' during farewell speech to Red Bull employees as sacked boss admits decision came as ‘shock'
Horner's firing followed a year after
over texts he apparently sent to a female employee.
4
Christian Horner was reportedly left in tears in his farewell speech to Red Bull employees
Credit: AP
He was informed of his dismissal on Tuesday but was given the opportunity to address his employees at Red Bull's UK base in Milton Keynes a day later.
Horner reportedly 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.
READ MORE HORNER
"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."
Most read in Motorsport
CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
The 51-year-old - who is married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell - led Red Bull in two phases to world championship success.
The first was through Sebastian Vettel's glory days from 2009-14 and then Verstappen's current era - which could end sooner rather than later.
Red Bull was ready to 'explode' under Christian Horner as Max Verstappen's future is uncertain
In total, Red Bull with Horner won
EIGHT
drivers' championships and six constructors' titles.
Laurent Mekies has been appointed as the new CEO of Red Bull Racing, stepping up from the Racing Bulls team.
Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff said: "We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.
"With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.
"Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history."
F1 champion Max Verstappen posted on Instagram: "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!"
Horner
4
Allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against him in February 2024 by a female team member were dismissed following an appeal last summer.
Horner was accused of sending
The woman apparently grew tired of her boss's pleas for pictures and sexy chat, according to the WhatsApp dossier.
A KC cleared Horner for a
His £12million-a-year job was secured by support from the Thai majority owners of Red Bull - but that seems to have worn out.
Horner's wife Geri was reportedly devastated by the scandal, but stood by her husband in showing signs of solidarity at key races.
Ginger Spice walked hand-in-hand with her hubby in Bahrain last year, as the couple shared a kiss in the Red Bull hospitality unit after Verstappen's win.
In his recent interview, Horner continued to praise his singer wife and explained how she helped him overcome the scandal.
He added: 'She saw through a lot of things from having an outside perspective and it is good to have that weight and measure. It is hugely important.'
The couple, who have been married since 2015, have a child together and two children from previous relationships.
4
Max Verstappen posted an emotional message to Horner in the wake of the Red Bull chief's sacking
Credit: PA
4
Horner and his wife Geri, who was devastated by his scandal
Credit: PA
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
14 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘It's no coincidence' – Max Verstappen and Toto Wolff set to meet up on holiday amid talks of Mercedes F1 switch
MAX VERSTAPPEN and Toto Wolff have both been spotted on holiday in Sardinia with the pair set to meet up. On Friday, Verstappen's private jet was tracked touching down on the Italian island in the wake of 5 Red Bull star Max Verstappen has been spotted on holiday in Sardinia days after Christian Horner was sacked 5 Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was also spotted on the same Italian island, with the pair set to meet up Further tracking showed yachts owned by the four-time world champion and Wolff both off the coast of Sardinia with F1 not back in action until the Belgian Grand Prix on July 27. This comes after former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher predicted the The Sky Sports Germany pundit, 50, said: "I think it's pretty clear what Max wants. 'GT3 is something he's passionate about. Mercedes is also launching a new car in that category soon, so right now, it doesn't feel like the odds are great for him staying. READ MORE ON F1 "I think on Sunday, it hit him that even he can't save this anymore – and that really affected him. After the race, it was obvious to me. "And once you feel like something is beyond saving, it's hard to come back from that. "It's no coincidence either that this week, two yachts are cruising off Sardinia – one belongs to Toto Wolff, the other to Max Verstappen. 5 Ralf Schumacher predicted the Dutchman will meet with the Mercedes boss this week for a 'coffee' CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Most read in Motorsport "And from what I hear, there's a good chance they might have had a coffee together. "But what defines Max is that he won't take this decision lightly. He knows exactly who he owes his career to – besides himself and his father, of course – and that's ultimately Red Bull, the team that brought him to where he is today." Red Bull was ready to 'explode' under Christian Horner as Max Verstappen's future is uncertain The chaos at Red Bull hit new heights when Horner was sensationally axed three days after Silverstone, after a run of woeful results After Horner was dismissed following 20 years in charge, Verstappen wrote on Instagram: "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!" However, it's thought that Verstappen will sit tight until 2027 to weigh up which team has come out on top following next year's new technical regulations. 5 Verstappen's team principal Christian Horner was sacked by Red Bull this week 5
The Irish Sun
17 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Bizarre moment EFL manager carried into press conference onboard LION at Indonesian pre-season tour
OXFORD UNITED boss Gary Rowett was carried to a press conference on a LION. The Championship club are on a pre-season tour of Indonesia. Advertisement 3 It's a tradition practiced in Indonesia for special occasions Credit: 3 Oxford manager Rowett looked very calm throughout the process Credit: 3 This was a moment those present will not easily forget Credit: And as is custom in the South East Asian nation at special events or ceremonies demands, they hold a ritual called sisingaan in which they carry a special guest on an effigy of a lion. Rowett was paraded through the streets ahead of Oxford's President's Cup final against Thai team Port FC in Soreang on Sunday. It was after seeing off Arema to top their three-club group to reach the pre-season tournament showpiece. But the Us' tour has been marred by a horror tackle on their Indonesian international Ole Romeny during that 4-0 victory which also saw him score. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL The Dutch-born star is a huge star in Indonesia and plays for the nation through his paternal grandmother. The heavy challenge meant he had to be carried off on a stretcher. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Rowett said: 'It was quite a difficult angle to see. Ole felt as though it was one of the worst tackles he's received. Advertisement Most read in EFL 'We're not out here complaining about challenges. Former Premier League club closing in on return to EFL despite finishing 23 POINTS behind play-off opponents 'It felt a little bit late, but there were quite a lot of late challenges that you're worried it might end up bubbling over a little bit.' Romeny posted a picture of his right foot in a protective boot on his Instagram story, captioning the post: 'Thank you guys for all the messages. 'Unfortunately I will be out for a while, but will do anything to be back as soon as possible. Head high always.' Advertisement
The Irish Sun
17 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Christian Horner ‘wants quiet time with Geri' following his ‘shock' axe as Red Bull boss that left him in tears
CHRISTIAN HORNER 'wants quiet time with Geri and the family' following his dramatic exit from Formula 1 team Red Bull this week. The now former Red Bull team principal was 5 Horner is focusing on his family for now, according to reports Credit: PA 5 He was axed by Red Bull this week Credit: AP Horner denied the accusations throughout the scandal. He stayed in his position for 16 months and his dismissal was part of a Red Bull have slid down the standings since the accusations, with star driver and four-time world champion Now, according to Read more Horner and his wife, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner, have been seen together in public as a united front since the scandal last February. Horner was Milton Keynes . He 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. Most read in Motorsport "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 that I've been here. Christian Horner 'in tears' during farewell speech to Red Bull employees as sacked boss admits decision came as 'shock' "When I arrived 20 years ago, with 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." A source told The source said: 'Christian is of course desperately sad that his career has ended this way. "He also had the shock news about his 'He fears his sacking is yet another crisis for his marriage to face after an incredibly difficult year. "Geri has already begun distancing herself by going by Halliwell-Horner when writing her books . "Although she's still totally invested in her marriage, she wants to focus on herself and protecting her own image." 5 Horner was emotional as he bid farewell to Red Bull Credit: AP 5 A source told The Sun his tears were for his wife Credit: Getty 5 Horner and Geri recently attended the F1 movie premiere Credit: Splash Geri has previously attempted to dismiss any meaning behind the name change, telling "I haven't legally changed anything — Horner is the name on my passport." There are also rumours of a move to Ferrari, which he declined two years ago, allowing Fred Vasseur to be given the top job. In May, he batted away rumours he would join Ferrari, declaring: "It's always flattering to be associated with other teams, but my commitment is with Red Bull." Announcing the news of the six-time World Constructers' Championship winner's departure, Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff said: "We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. "With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1. "Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history ." Racing Bulls' Laurent Mekies, head of Red Bull's sister team, has been put in to replace him. Meanwhile, Horner's long-term friend Bernie Ecclestone has
