Latest news with #TeamPrincipal
The Independent
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Independent
Christian Horner breaks silence on Red Bull exit after ‘special F1 journey'
Christian Horner has broken his silence after being dismissed by Red Bull during the 2025 F1 season after more than two decades in charge. The former Red Bull team principal's emotional farewell speech at the team's HQ in Milton Keynes was leaked online, with hundreds in attendance giving the 51-year-old a standing ovation after his shock departure. And Horner has outlined how he achieved 'accolades we never dreamed possible' and thanked both his team and rivals for enabling 'a special journey,' which included guiding Max Verstappen to four world titles, a partnership the Dutch driver had acknowledged after paying tribute to his former boss. '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,' Horner said in a statement on social media. '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 six Constructors Championships and eight 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. Christian.' Horner then listed his achievements leading Red Bull, including six constructors' championships, eight drivers' championships and 124 victories in total. He added 12 sprint victories, 287 podiums, 107 pole positions and 100 fastest laps, emphasising a dominant run over more than two decades.
Japan Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Japan Times
For Christian Horner, a brutal end to a highly successful reign at Red Bull
Christian Horner twice transformed Red Bull into Formula One's dominant team over his two decades in charge but he was unceremoniously axed on Wednesday amid declining fortunes and internal disputes. A Red Bull team whose time at the top was clearly ending — Max Verstappen won just two of 14 races to end last season — and a draining spell early last year when he was cleared of inappropriate behavior toward a woman team member should have rung alarm bells for the 51-year-old. Instead, just as he did when those allegations emerged in February 2024, Horner carried on working in the hope he could reignite another period of dominance.
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Rumours fly as Christian Horner left in tears after F1 bombshell
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. Fox Sports, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every practice, qualifying session and race in the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship™ LIVE in 4K. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. 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 — 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.
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Red Bull release F1 team principal Christian Horner after 20 years
The world of Formula One has been shocked at the announcement of Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner's instant release. PA Media's Formula One Correspondent Philip Duncan spoke to Corin Dann. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
BreakingNews.ie
4 days ago
- Automotive
- BreakingNews.ie
Christian Horner tearful as he announced his Red Bull sacking to staff
Christian Horner was reduced to tears when he announced to his Red Bull staff that his two-decade spell as team principal had been terminated. The 51-year-old was effectively sacked from his role by the British-based Formula One team's parent company, Red Bull GmbH, on Tuesday. Advertisement Horner travelled to the team's Milton Keynes factory on Wednesday to deliver the bombshell news to a stunned 1,500-strong workforce at 10am. The PA news agency understands that Horner broke down as he informed the hundreds inside a room which showcases the Red Bull cars which have won 14 world championships, as well as many more on a Microsoft Teams call, that he would be leaving with immediate effect. In a clip of Horner's speech obtained by Sky Sports News, 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. 'When I arrived 20 years ago, with a few less grey hairs, I walked into a team and I didn't know what to expect but I was immediately welcomed. Advertisement 'We then started to build what became a powerhouse in Formula One. Watching and 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. Horner gave an emotional address to Red Bull staff. Photo: Bradley Collyer/PA. 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. Their statement read: 'Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday 9 July 2025) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing.' Red Bull Group CEO Oliver Mintzlaff said: 'We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. Advertisement '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 One. 'Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.' Max Verstappen (right) celebrates alongside Horner after winning his first world title in December 2021. Photo: PA. Horner drove away from Red Bull's Milton Keynes campus shortly before 1130am. His dramatic departure comes 17 months after he was accused of 'inappropriate behaviour' by a female colleague. Advertisement At last year's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Horner 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 singer 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. Advertisement Christian Horner and his wife Geri at last year's Bahrain Grand Prix. Photo: David Davies/PA. Horner was subjected to boos at F1's season launch in London in February and McLaren CEO Zak Brown said in an interview with the PA news agency the following month that he would feel 'vulnerable' if he were in Horner's shoes. It is believed that a culmination of Horner's reputation, Red Bull's slump in form – Verstappen has won only four of the last 26 races staged – and continued questions about the Dutchman's future, have all led to the belief that a clean slate was required. Although Verstappen's team-mate Yuki Tsunoda was at Red Bull HQ on Wednesday, Verstappen was not. Verstappen later posted a picture of himself embracing Horner in the wake of winning his fourth title in Las Vegas last November. Verstappen wrote: 'From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless record. Thank you for everything, Christian.' 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! — Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) July 9, 2025 Horner had been the longest-serving boss in F, and will be remembered as one of its most decorated team principals. Red Bull won their first world championship in 2010, with Sebastian Vettel taking four consecutive titles. Following a period of dominance by Mercedes, Horner oversaw Red Bull's rise to the top again. In 2023, Red Bull won 21 of the 22 races staged, with Verstappen setting a new record for 10 consecutive victories. However, Verstappen has already ruled himself out of this season's race. He secured pole position at the recent British Grand Prix – Horner's final race in charge – but finished only fifth. He is 69 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri at the midway stage of the 24-round season, with Red Bull a distant fourth in the constructors' standings.
