Rumours fly as Christian Horner left in tears after F1 bombshell

News.com.au

2 days ago

Christian Horner was left in tears in his final farewell speech to Red Bull employees after his shock termination on Wednesday night.
The rumour mill has gone into overdrive since Red Bull confirmed the team principal has been shown the door after 20 years in charge.
A video of Horner's emotional speech at Red Bull's UK base in Milton Keynes has been spreading across cyberspace.
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Sky Sports News obtained footage of the speech and reported that he 'broke down in tears and received lengthy ovations from his former colleagues'.
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 that I've been here.
'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.'
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.
In total, Red Bull with Horner won EIGHT drivers' championships and six constructors' titles.
The reasons for the axing have not been confirmed, however, speculation has been running rampant.
According to ESPN, the atmosphere within the team has grown increasingly tense — especially with the growing uncertainty of Max Verstappen's future with the team.
The publication reports the move was made after one of Horner's biggest supporters — and the most powerful figure in the organisation — buckled under mounting pressure to swing the axe.
Horner's position had always previously been protected by Red Bull majority shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya. That seems to have changed after a number of high-stake meetings in recent weeks.
The axing of Horner comes in the wake of legendary Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey departing the team last season to join Aston Martin and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley leaving to become the Sauber/Audi team principal.
Mekies will now be in charge when the Formula 1 paddock heads to Belgium for the next race in two weeks time.
Horner endured a turbulent past 18 months both on and off the track with allegations of inappropriate behaviour being levelled against him ahead of the 2024 season.
He was ultimately cleared of the allegations twice after a private independent investigation into alleged 'coercive behaviour' towards an anonymous employee.
The team was rocked by the situation and it was reportedly the tipping point that resulted in senior adviser Helmut Marko walking away from his position.
According to reports, Marko had a close relationship with Jos Verstappen, Max's father, causing further strain on the relationship between Horner and the Verstappen family.
The most explosive speculation surrounds rumours Verstappen may have already made a decision privately to join Mercedes next year.
The four-time world champion, who is contracted until the end of 2028, has been linked with a blockbuster switch to Mercedes as Red Bull's on track struggles continue to mount.
Speculation ramped up last year that Verstappen could force his way out in the wake of the Horner drama. Rumours have only intensified throughout this season with a contract clause exposing a potential escape plan for the 27-year-old.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has admitted to talks with Verstappen's management team about making the switch as early as next season. Sky Sport Italy reported last week the matter had made it all the way to the Mercedes board for approval.
Verstappen refused to answer questions about his future at the weekend's British Grand Prix.
The Dutchman's manager, Raymond Vermeulen, released a statement shortly after news of Horner's axing was confirmed.
Someone had taken a video of Christian Horner's farewell speech at Milton Keynes pic.twitter.com/0uLTXjt9fE
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) July 9, 2025
'We were informed in advance about this decision by Red Bull management. It's up to RedBull to expand on why they did this. We continue to focus on the sporting side and are looking for more performance so we can return to the top. In that sense, nothing changes,' Vermeulen said.
Horner later posted an emotional farewell on Instagram.
He wrote: 'After an incredible journey of twenty years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the Team I have absolutely loved.
'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.
'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.
'Thanks to the amazing partners and fans who enabled us to go racing.
'Your support has helped grow the team from its humble beginnings to an F1 powerhouse that laid claim to 6 Constructors Championships and 8 Drivers Championships.
'Equally, 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. Thank You.'
Horner survived accusations of inappropriate behaviour towards a colleague – and was twice cleared in internal investigations of wrongdoing.
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 suggestive WhatsApp messages, in texts that were leaked. He denied the accusations throughout.
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 second time in August after the unnamed accuser launched an appeal following the internal probe.
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 - whose long-running feud with Verstappen's dad Jos continued at the weekend - 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.