Christian Horner ‘wants quiet time with Geri' following his ‘shock' axe as Red Bull boss that left him in tears

The Irish Sun

3 days ago

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
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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
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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.
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"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."
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Horner was emotional as he bid farewell to Red Bull
Credit: AP
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A source told The Sun his tears were for his wife
Credit: Getty
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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