Horner opens up on 'shock' Red Bull axing

Christian Horner has admitted his axing from his team principal role at Red Bull came as a "shock", as fresh details emerge.

Horner, hired as the team's inaugural boss for its entry into the sport in 2005, was sacked on Wednesday evening (AEST) with immediate effect, ending a 20-year reign at the top of Formula 1.

The move comes only days after the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where a large portion of the team remained on Wednesday for a tyre test.

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Laurent Mekies, who was in charge of sister team Racing Bulls, has been named as Horner's replacement, while RB's racing director Alan Permane will be promoted to team principal.

Horner has been at the helm of Red Bull since the team's arrival on the grid in 2005, leading the team to six constructors' championships and eight drivers' titles in that period.

Sky Sports in the UK aired a clip of Horner addressing the Red Bull team at its Milton Keynes base.

"Yesterday, I was informed by Red Bull that operationally I would no longer be involved with the business or the team moving forward," Horner said.

"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.

"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.https://x.com/SkySportsF1/status/1943021782769823835

"Watching and being part of this team, has been the biggest privilege of my life."

He broke down in tears delivering the speech to the packed auditorium, which reacted with raucous applause.

Horner was reportedly formally given the news on Monday night local time, and then delivered the speech – which looked to be completely off the cuff – to the factory at 10am. He was out the door by midday.

Two other senior staff members with close ties to Horner have also reportedly been shown the door.

Speaking on Sky Sports, commentator and pundit Martin Brundle said Horner had told him he had not been given a reason for the move.

He said he had only just seen Horner on Monday at the funeral for the late Eddie Jordan.

"He was very quiet, very introverted, clearly a bit out of sorts, so I'm perhaps not totally surprised (he's been sacked)," Brundle said.https://x.com/Max33Verstappen/status/1942957202538389672https://x.com/redbullracing/status/1943022344378945845https://x.com/redbullracing/status/1943017543712845891

"I'm saddened, because I think he's done an incredible job of picking up the bones of what was the Jaguar F1 team and what he's achieved in the last 20 years.

"I consider him a friend. It's a pity it's ended so abruptly like this. I did try to speak to Christian ... and he said he would talk later, but he hadn't been given any reason.

"It is seismic because he was such an integral part of the Red Bull team. He got Adrian Newey involved, and every point, every podium, every victory, every world championship Max has, and other drivers like Sebastian Vettel has, Christian was at the helm."

It was also under Christian Horner that Mark Webber claimed each of his nine grands prix victories, and seven of Daniel Ricciardo's eight.

Up until last weekend's British Grand Prix, Horner had been the longest-serving current team principal in Formula 1

"We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years," Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff said.

"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."

Rumours around Horner's future at the team have been swirling for the last 18 months, with reports that the 51-year-old has lost the support of Red Bull's shareholders.

Last year, following an internal investigation into dismissed misconduct allegations levelled at him, it appeared Horner was on the chopping block.

However, despite facing external scrutiny and calls for him to step down, Horner remained in charge. He denied the accusations of inappropriate behaviour throughout.

Stuck in a performance dip, Red Bull is no longer the unbeatable force that it was in recent years.

While still spearheaded by four-time reigning champion Max Verstappen, the team was pipped by McLaren for the 2024 constructors' championship and is flailing in fourth in the constructors' standings at the halfway point of this season, with Verstappen third in the drivers' standings.

The team's performance has led to speculation Verstappen could leave the team – to either Mercedes, or follow Newey to Aston Martin.

Horner's exit adds to several high-profile departures at the Milton Keynes squad, including Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, who left for Sauber.

Horner was contracted with Red Bull until the 2030 F1 season.

In a lengthy statement on Instagram, Horner said it was a "privilege" to lead the team.

"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," he said.

"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.https://www.instagram.com/p/DL5hjC5Meen/?utm_source=ig_embed&

"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."

Red Bull's first race meeting without Horner will be the Belgian Grand Prix at the famed Spa circuit in a fortnight.