Christian Horner tearfully announced sacking as Red Bull F1 boss just days after tragic death of his ex-wife
dramatic sacking as boss of Red Bull came just days after his first wife died following a lengthy cancer battle.
Beverley Allen, 58, who is also the mother of Horner's teenage daughter, died last Monday two years after being diagnosed with eye cancer.
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Beverly Allen (pictured), the first wife of Christian Horner
Credit: Instagram
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Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and ex-partner Beverley Allen
Credit: Alamy
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Christian Horner delivered an emotional farewell speech
Credit: Sky Sports/Red Bull
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Her death comes just 10 days before Horner was dramatically sacked by Red Bull
Credit: Instagram
The pair had been together for 14 years before Horner married Geri Halliwell in 2015.
One of Beverley's friends told
"She found out she had eye cancer a couple of years ago and she was aware that it wasn't going to be a very good prognosis but it is still a devastating shock.
"Beverley was loved by everyone who knew her. It's just heartbreaking."
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The pair were together throughout his rise to F1 stardom throughout the early and mid 2000s.
And days after her death,
The unceremonious firing comes after he was previously embroiled in a
over messages he allegedly sent to a female employee.
Horner denied the accusations throughout the scandal.
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Alongside the F1 boss, many of Horner's allies were also fired on a day that sent shockwaves through the sport.
The
Many had been appointed to their jobs by the 51-year-old team chief, and a source called the relationships a 'double-edged sword'.
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Beverley lived in a Grade II listed property in the Cotswolds following her split from Horner
Credit: Instagram
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Horner was replaced immediately by Frenchman Laurent Mekies, 48, who has run Red Bull's sister team Racing Bulls since the start of 2024.
Horner will remain employed by the company, where he is thought to make £9million-a-year, but is effectively on indefinite gardening leave.
Horner was the longest-reigning F1 boss, having taken charge of the Austrian team when it was bought from Jaguar in 2005.
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."
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In a tearful farewell speech at the team's Milton Keynes base, Horner received lengthy ovations from his 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.
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"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."
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Christian Horner of Red Bull Racing and his wife Geri Halliwell are seen after F1 Grand Prix of Monaco
Credit: Getty
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