Christian Horner's teary first words after Red Bull sacking as Brit 'shocked'

An emotional Christian Horner was visibly moved during his farewell address to Red Bull employees at their Milton Keynes base on Wednesday. After two decades at the helm, Red Bull sacked their longest-serving and illustrious team principal, Horner, who guided the racing team to eight Drivers' Championships and six Constructors' titles since taking over in 2005.

Under Horner's leadership, Red Bull dominated Formula 1, particularly in the 2023 season where they clinched victory in every Grand Prix bar one.

Despite this success, Red Bull's hierarchy have made the move to dismiss Horner after the team's performance dipped in the current season's first half, with even four-time champion Max Verstappen managing just two wins and facing rumours of switching allegiance to Mercedes, even though he is tied to Red Bull until 2028.

Sky Sports reportedly obtained footage of Horner's speech to Red Bull staff at the team's HQ, as he was quoted as saying: "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.

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

Laurent Mekies is set to take over the reins at the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday, July 27, following Horner's departure. The news of Horner's exit sent ripples through the F1 community, with Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft sharing insights from Red Bull's HQ in Milton Keynes.

Croft relayed the atmosphere within the team: "From those that we've managed to speak to, it is a unified sense of disappointment and sadness at a man that they see has unified their team, who was never afraid to sit and have a chat to various people no matter what they did for the organisation.

"The speech that Christian Horner gave this morning to the factory, we understand, was hugely emotional. Christian himself was very emotional, and broke down on occasion.

"He received a massive ovation at the end of that speech from a workforce that are very loyal to him, because he has helped bring success, bonuses and world championship glory in terms of 14 world titles during his time as team principal."